In an unusual blend of leadership and camaraderie, Elon University School of Law Dean Zak Kramer has followed through on a unique promise to his students. He vowed to get a tattoo if they achieved an 85% first-time bar passage rate. Not only did the students meet this goal, they surpassed it with flying colors, setting a new school record.

The Class of 2025 achieved a staggering 91.96% first-time pass rate on the North Carolina bar exam, significantly higher than the statewide rate of 74.78%. Their exceptional performance didn't stop at state lines; across North Carolina and 11 other jurisdictions, the class achieved a combined rate of 90.9%.

True to his word, on September 4, Dean Kramer visited a local tattoo parlor and got "1 & Done" inked on his forearm. This phrase, which is now permanently a part of him, serves as a tribute to the student's hard work and dedication. It's a nod to the law school's mantra about mastering the bar exam on the first try.

This act of solidarity by a dean isn't just a fun story about a tattoo. It symbolizes a deeper relationship between students and faculty, showing that encouragement and motivation can come in various forms—even as permanent body art. Kramer's gesture highlights his non-traditional approach to leadership and his belief in his students' abilities.

While "1 and done" typically echoes in the context of significant achievements or unique occurrences, it's also inadvertently struck a chord with parents of only children, adding a quirky layer of universal relatability to the dean's new tattoo.

Dean Kramer’s commitment and the subsequent fulfillment of his promise have not only marked a memorable milestone for Elon Law but have also demonstrated a cool, modern approach to educational leadership. His willingness to literally imprint his students' achievement on himself has set a new bar for what it means to be a supportive and inspiring academic leader.