1L Rob Grimsley: Former NDSU Football Player, First-Gen Student
Rob Grimsley played as a safety on the North Dakota State University (NDSU) football team for four years, during which the Division 1 powerhouse amassed an amazing 55-4 record. He helped NDSU win three FCS national championships in the 2015, 2017, and 2018 seasons, and was named team captain. Grimsley is a first-gen student in his family and would like one day to be a prosecutor.
Can you discuss a bit about your experiences in the NDSU football program?
Being a member of the NDSU football team was the greatest experience of my life. From the moment our first practice began freshman year to meeting the President of the United States after my senior year; football gave me friendships, opportunities, and memories that I’ll never forget.
Getting a law degree will mean a lot to me and my family because they have always pushed me to be my best. Having a degree from the University of Minnesota Law School would prove that the hard work paid off.
What do you hope/plan to do with your legal education (realizing, of course, that may change during the course of your studies)?
My current plan is to go into criminal law and get into prosecution. One day my goal is to become an attorney general.
Why did you select Minnesota Law?
I selected Minnesota Law because I wanted to attend a law school that gave me the best opportunity in the future. After taking the LSAT and weighing my options I felt Minnesota did that.
Can you discuss your thoughts on the importance of diverse perspectives in the classroom?
Having diverse perspectives in the classroom is important because it adds unique talking points that homogeneous classrooms either overlooked or didn’t feel the need to recognize.
Minnesota Law as an institution emphasizes leadership. What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means not only being able to lift other individuals up, but also adjusting your style of leadership to best fit those you are trying to lead.
Law School can be stressful at times. What do you like to do for wellness or to de-stress?
I am not stressed too often but I do enjoy working out and try to go to the gym about five times a week.
What three words or phrase describes you best?
Never, never, quit
Do you have any interesting hobbies or leisure activities you’d like to share?
My two biggest hobbies are going to the movie theatre and playing golf. If I have any free time I’m usually trying to find people to do one of those things with me.
