February, 3, 2023

 

We are deeply saddened by the loss of former law school Professor Ray Cross. Ray taught at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law from 1993 to 2015.

Professor Cross taught Federal Indian Law and Public Lands and Natural Resource Law. He worked extensively with Indian tribes, organizations and federal agencies on issues related to Indian education, tribal self-determination, and cultural and natural resource preservation.

During his tenure with UM, he influenced many students to follow their passion as lawyers and was an example of tenacity in the face of adversity. Professor Cross was someone everyone looked up to.

Maylinn Smith, a former UM law professor who worked with Ray, said, “He was a deep thinker, very quiet and in his head a lot. He was always thinking about big issues in Indian law and natural resources and how he could affect positive change. He was a phenomenal scholar and was concerned about righting wrongs. He did big things.”

Professors Cross and Smith coached the NALSA Moot Court together for years. “If the students were floundering, he would say, ‘Are you trying to say this?’ and then would help them make their argument,” Maylinn said. “He was always looking to help students.”

Ray Cross never stopped fighting for the values he held dear. His steadfast approach towards life and his caring demeanor served as a precedent of how students should pursue their careers.

In honor of Ray Cross, go forward with courage, kind words and good deeds.

Professor Cross’ family will hold a private event in his honor. Read more about Ray Cross’ life in his obituary here.