Professor Bickers Wins Professor of the Year for 2025

The Salmon P. Chase College of Law graduation class selected Professor John Bickers to receive the Professor of the Year Award because he represents all of the best in a law professor: He is knowledgeable, professionally engaged, and approachable.

Professor Bickers, who teaches Constitutional Law and Professional Responsibility, is known among students for the well-organized, thoughtful manner in which he conducts classes – yet with an inviting style. He typically begins classes, not with a ponderous intonation, but with music. When the recorded music – often selected to reflect the day’s topic – ends after students have arrived, class begins. That is when students experience the excellence in teaching for which he is known.

Outside the classroom, Professor Bickers engages in the type of legal research and writing that enhances his ability to convey to students both traditional legal concepts and new approaches. He has published articles in significant law reviews and written amicus curiae briefs, or friend of the court briefs that bring important issues to judges’ attentions. The Supreme Court of the United States cited one law review article he wrote as part of the basis for an opinion that affected the law throughout the nation.  

Prior to joining the Chase faculty in 2006, Professor Bickers served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps as a prosecutor, a defense lawyer, an administrative lawyer, and supervised an Army law office in Germany. He also taught courses in law at the United States Military Academy at West Point.