A hometown quest for justice

“Growing up in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky, I was surrounded by the stories of family members who shaped their communities without seeking recognition,” Anderson claims. "The Appalachian region has long been taken advantage of, and not exclusively from one particular body, but a myriad of groups and individuals from both the private and public sectors."

It’s no wonder he’s now a standout at UC’s College of Law, carving his path toward making a difference.

For Anderson, law school was a natural progression. "I was a political science major as an undergrad at Morehead State University, and like many of my colleagues, law school felt like the next step," he reflected.

As a fellow for the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP), Anderson has made significant strides working on the policy side of wrongful convictions. His efforts include advocating for legislative reforms and supporting those who have been exonerated as they reintegrate into society. “We’re ensuring that individuals who have been wrongfully convicted aren’t left behind once they re-enter society,” Anderson explained.

While spending the summer analyzing complex legal issues, Anderson also helped produce comprehensive bench briefs for Kentucky’s 6th Supreme Court District Justice Michelle Keller. “Volunteering for the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission helped increase my awareness for needed access to legal representation for low income earners,” he adds.

Anderson's early exposure to political conversations at home, with a mother who dedicated over 30 years to public education, instilled in him the desire to make a tangible impact.

"Public educators are often overlooked, but they’re the backbone of our communities," he said. “I come from a long line of them, and that instilled a different form of public service in me.”

Anderson’s ties to public service run deep, even beyond his legal work. His grandfather, who had only an eighth-grade education but went on to own a small business and serve on Morehead’s City Council, left a lasting impression. "He achieved so much with so little formal education, and that’s always inspired me," Anderson said. "It’s not about where you start — it’s about how far you’re willing to go."

The UC law community, with its focus on social justice, has been the perfect incubator for Anderson’s goals. "The Jones Center fosters a community of future public servants. It’s an intentional space for us to prepare for careers as public defenders or government officials."

After graduation, Anderson hopes to return to Kentucky to work in government or the judiciary, shaping policies dedicated to justice, fairness and uplifting the communities that need it most.

"Many economic struggles faced by Central Appalachia’s rural residents align with class inequalities confronted by persons in urban landscapes,” Anderson says as he points to class as a tool both capable of connection and division.

"Kentucky is home, and there’s so much work to be done in terms of policy reform to support our most vulnerable citizens," he said. “I want to inspire others to recognize that, with or without higher education, their potential is limitless," he said.

"The Jones Center, my scholarship and UC Law have given me the tools to do just that."

With his eyes set on a future in public service, Anderson stands as a testament to how the right support, like UC’s Jones Center, can help shape the next generation of changemakers.

Featured image at top: Nicholas Anderson stands in front of UC's College of Law. Photo/provided