Information about the Board
The Center for Student Legal Services takes pride in our student Board of Directors, which governs CSLS and ensures that we are serving the best interest of Ohio University's student body. Composed of 11 students from Appalachian locals to international students, Greek Life members to Student Senators, Residential Housing Assistants to Learning Community Leaders, Student Trustees to student activists, our Directors represent the diverse perspectives of Ohio University's students.
The Center's Board of Directors accepts applications for one-year and two-year positions each spring for the following academic year. Candidates are interviewed upon submission of completed applications. New members are required to attend the last meeting of each spring semester.
**Submission deadline for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors is Friday, March 27, 2026. To apply, please click the application below and emailed the completed application to courtney@studentlegalrights.org
Meet the officers of the board
Karmen Kirker,
Executive Chair
Karmen (She/Her) is an undergraduate student at Ohio University, majoring in Sociology Pre-Law and English. Karmen served previously as Treasurer for the Center for Legal Services and a member of the Ohio University Mock Trial team. In her free time she loves arts and crafts and being in nature. She is excited to begin her new role!
cslsbodec@studentlegalrights.org
Executive Chair Account
Emma pierson,
Executive Vice Chair
Emma (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Ohio University studying Political Science Pre-Law with four minors and three certificates. Emma is currently serving as the Executive Vice Chair for the CSLS Board of Directors and is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Emma is also involved with Learning Community Programs, where she supervised both UC 1500 and UC 1900 in the fall and is currently leading the UC 2110 spring pilot program. After college, Emma plans on attending law school to further her education in the legal field and work in public interest. Outside of class, Emma likes to crochet, read, and spend time with her friends and family!
As Executive Vice Chair, one of Emma’s responsibilities is to oversee and administer the Client Complaint Procedure for the Center's clientele and he can be contacted with concerns.
cslsbodevc@studentlegalrights.org
Executive Vice Chairperson Account
Ava Wood,
Treasurer
Ava (She/Her) is a junior at Ohio University majoring in Environmental Studies, with minors in Political Science and English and a certificate in Law, Justice, & Culture. On campus, Ava serves as Treasurer for the CSLS Board of Directors, a Student Trustee at OHIO, Panhellenic President, an active member of her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and a Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar. Her leadership roles reflect her commitment to community, collaboration, and meaningful change.
Ava is deeply passionate about environmental protection and plans to attend law school after graduation to pursue a career in environmental and natural resource law. Beyond her academic and leadership commitments, Ava is a sister, friend, and daughter who values time with the people she loves. She’s an avid reader, traveler, and enjoyer of the outdoors!
Spencer Boakye,
Communications Liaison
Spencer (He/Him) is a sophomore at Ohio University majoring in Sociology-Criminology with a minor in Pre-Law Political Science and has a certificate in Law, Justice & Culture through the Center for Law, Justice & Culture. Spencer serves as Communications Liaison for the Center for Student Legal Services and is currently an active member of the Ohio University Mock Trial serving as the membership coordinator and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.
Spencer is passionate about law and advocacy. He plans to attend law school after graduation and is particularly interested in immigration law and corporate litigation. Outside of school Spencer likes to go to the gym and spend time with friends playing basketball.