Air Force Paralegal
The University of Providence Air Force Paralegal Program is an Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) program partner. AU-ABC directs Airmen with associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to accredited “military friendly” colleges and universities to consider when completing a four-year degree. The program maximizes the application of military career education and training, and provides a multitude of online academic and support services.
The UP Legal and Paralegal Studies program is an American Bar Association approved paralegal program. By leveraging your CCAF Paralegal degree, you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree online by requiring no more (and perhaps fewer).
Army Paralegal
The University of Providence and The Judge Advocate General’s Learning Center and School (TJAGLCS) have enjoyed a partnership since 2004. By working with TJAGLCS, UP is the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program to provide Paralegal Specialists (27D) with an opportunity to complete an associate degree or bachelor of science in Legal and Paralegal Studies online.
ABA approved Paralegal Studies programs require students seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies to complete 10 credit hours of paralegal instruction in a traditional in-class (not distance learning) setting. By working closely with the Army JAG Corps, UP’s program allows you to meet the ABA in-class requirement by completing 27D10 AIT. The remainder of the degree can be completed on-line through UP.
Degree
BS
AS
Program Faculty
Deborah Kottel, J.D.
Dr. Deb Kottel teaches law, and coordinates the online paralegal program. She has been chair of the faculty, faculty representative to the board of directors, and a leader of various faculty governance committees throughout her distinguished academic career. Her experience includes four terms as a Montana State Representative (1995-2009), as well as Commissioner of Transportation for the State. A Chicago native, Kottel moved to Montana in 1987.
Dr. Kottel believes in service learning and started Camp SkyChild, a camp for children with a parent in prison in 1990. UP students help organize and run the camp. She is currently on the board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Grace Home (for homeless veterans), and chairs the Community Health Clinic Board. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening.
BS, Loyola University
JD, DePaul University
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
-Mother Teresa
Edward Lucas, J.D.
After a successful career as a U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG), Dr. Ed Lucas (Colonel, Retired) joined the university faculty in 2016. His legal background includes criminal (both prosecution and defense), tort, contract, environmental, labor, family law, and government ethics. He has expertise in the areas of international and operational law. Highlights of his career include serving as a Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as Chief of International Law for United States Central Command Air Forces. He also served as the Staff Judge Advocate (supervisory attorney) for the Air Force’s largest combat wing, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and as the Staff Judge Advocate for the USAF in the Republic of Korea.
During law school, he worked for a foundation that provided legal services to low-income clients. He also served as an Army combat medic, military police officer, and infantry officer. Professor Lucas retired from active duty and moved to Montana because of the friendly people, wide open spaces, and outdoor adventure opportunities.
BS, Illinois State University
JD, Creighton University
LLM, University of Iowa
“Take your responsibilities seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.”
-Dr. Ed Lucas
Contact Information
University of Providence
1301 20th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405