Sky is the limit for SoPA legal studies grad

Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) alumna Christina Gourley is soaring in the field of aviation law.

Gourley joined the airline industry as a flight attendant based in Chicago in 2010. She eventually transferred to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in an operations role.

Driven by her desire to join the legal field, Gourley decided to return to school and pursue her bachelor’s degree at Tulane SoPA. Balancing work and studies, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in General Legal Studies in 2018.

“I worked full-time as a ramp supervisor at the airport while I completed my degree at Tulane thanks to the SoPA program that is tailored to help working professionals obtain a degree with online and night classes.”

Christina Gourley, Class of 2018

Since joining the ranks of Tulane alumni, Gourley has continued to grow in the legal field, serving as a judicial specialist within the District Court of Iowa in Dubuque County. She earned a Master of Jurisprudence from Drake University in 2022 and has since returned to the airline industry as a paralegal for American Airlines.

“Christina’s career path is just one example of the rewarding professional opportunities that await our General legal Studies program graduates,” said Robyn Ice, general legal studies program director.  “While maintaining her existing position, Christina was able to excel in our program and is now a shining example of what can be done with a flexible program."

“I am grateful for my Tulane education and for my experience in my favorite city, New Orleans,” Gourley said.

From working as a flight attendant to navigating the legal landscape, Gourley continues to flourish in her career. The sky is truly the limit.