Appalachian School of Law, Roanoke College Explore Merger

Buchanan County officials weigh relocation of Virginia's only independent law school amid financial strain

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:23am

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After nearly three decades in operation, Virginia's only independent law school, the Appalachian School of Law (ASL), may be on the move. Buchanan County supervisors held an emergency meeting to discuss a possible relocation of ASL to Roanoke College's Salem campus, as ASL faces enrollment shortfalls and multimillion-dollar funding gaps. Roanoke College has confirmed confidential talks with ASL, though no formal agreement has been reached.

Why it matters

The potential merger between ASL and Roanoke College would provide the struggling law school the opportunity to become part of a four-year institution, helping to ensure its long-term viability. The move is seen as crucial for sustaining legal education in Southwest Virginia, which has been designated a 'legal desert' due to the lack of access to legal services in the region.

The details

ASL President and Dean David Western told the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors that the school had a $1.8 million deficit last year and is facing a current deficit of $500,000. Western said the school needs $2.4 million to stay open until August 2026 and $6 million to $10 million to stay compliant with American Bar Association standards. Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. confirmed the college and ASL are holding discussions, stating that Roanoke College believes in ASL's mission of addressing legal deserts in Southwest Virginia.

  • On December 12, 2025, the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting to discuss the possible relocation of the Appalachian School of Law.
  • ASL opened for its first semester in August 1997, with 71 students and nine faculty members.

The players

Appalachian School of Law

Virginia's only independent law school, which was established in the early 1990s and opened in 1997.

Roanoke College

A four-year college located in Salem, Virginia, that has been in confidential talks with the Appalachian School of Law about a potential merger.

David Western

The president and dean of the Appalachian School of Law, who has expressed concerns about the school's financial challenges and the need for a plan to ensure its sustainability.

Frank Shushok Jr.

The president of Roanoke College, who has confirmed the college's interest in the mission and work of the Appalachian School of Law.

Craig Stiltner

The chairman of the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, who called the emergency meeting to discuss the possible relocation of the Appalachian School of Law.

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What they’re saying

“We saw the iceberg coming, and if we don't do something, we're going to lose the ship. I'm giving my heart and soul for ASL, and we need a plan for the law school.”

— David Western, President and Dean, Appalachian School of Law

“We have had conversations with the Appalachian School of Law about our admiration for the mission of the Appalachian School of Law, and ... those conversations are ongoing.”

— Frank Shushok Jr., President, Roanoke College

“I believe the combination of Roanoke College and Appalachian School of Law will strengthen both institutions and create legal job opportunities for students and support economic growth for Southwest Virginia.”

— John P. Fishwick Jr., Owner, Fishwick & Associates

What’s next

The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors has appointed a committee to examine how the potential relocation of the Appalachian School of Law to Roanoke College's campus could be resolved, and the committee is expected to report back to the full board.

The takeaway

The potential merger between the Appalachian School of Law and Roanoke College represents a critical opportunity to ensure the long-term viability of legal education in Southwest Virginia, a region that has been designated a 'legal desert' due to the lack of access to legal services. The move could help address the financial and enrollment challenges facing the independent law school while also strengthening Roanoke College's role in supporting the region.