Lori Meghan Gallagher, J.D., director of University of St. Thomas’ William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, is among the latest recipients of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2018. Houston Woman’s Magazine bestows this award.

“The University of St. Thomas is very proud of all her achievement,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Chris Evans said. “Due to her outstanding leadership, generosity and reputation, she developed one of the most impactful cultural and academic centers at UST, the Center for Irish Studies. The many witnesses of students whose lives she inspired give a clear indication of her amazing influence.”

Nomination Process for Women of Influence

Subscribers of Houston Woman’s Magazine nominate a candidate for inclusion on the 50 Women list. The magazine staff selects the winners.

“Those selected as Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2018 are individuals with vast networks of social and professional connections,” Beverly Denver, publisher of Houston Woman Magazine, said. “They have earned an enviable reputation for their expertise in a particular field or arena. They are knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy. The thoughts and actions of these women influence the thoughts and actions of others. It is our distinct pleasure to introduce these remarkable women to our readers and to others in our community.”

Since 2008, Houston Woman Magazine publishes an annual, keepsake edition featuring Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of the Year.

Professor, Director and Attorney Lori Gallagher

As mentioned, Gallagher is the director of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, a lecturer in Irish Studies and an attorney licensed to practice law in Texas. For 18 years, she practiced law at a large international law firm in Houston, Andrews Kurth LLP, where she was the chair of the civil appellate section and a partner.

Gallagher received her undergraduate degree in English and Journalism and law degree from the University of New Mexico (1980, 1984). She received a postgraduate degree in Irish Literature from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, in 1981 on a Rotary Foundation scholarship.

William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies

She has been the director of the Center for Irish Studies since the Center’s creation in January 2003.

Along with her duties as director, Gallagher has pioneered new Irish Studies courses on Irish and Northern Irish history, politics, law and culture, including Northern Ireland: The Conflict and the Peace; Historical and Political Perspectives on Irish Law and Culture; Irish Diaspora: Irish American Experience;Contemporary Ireland: Society and Culture; and Transformative Irish Women.

In addition, she oversees the Irish Studies academic program, which includes a minor in Irish Studies and a graduate concentration in the Master in Liberal Arts Program, as well as the Ireland Study Abroad Program and the Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Program.

Gallagher is No Stranger to Accolades

Gallagher also has received many accolades, including being named to the Global Irish 100 and Education 100 by Irish America magazine in 2009, as well as receiving the 2009 Irish American Leaders of Texas Award by Irish Echo newspaper and being selected as one of the honorees for the Mayor's Gala for the 2009 Houston International Festival featuring Ireland. She also served as the Grand Marshal for the 2011 Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade In 2014. Gallagher received the 2014 Irish Education Award from Irish Voice newspaper and in 2015, she received the Irish Legal and Education 100 award from Irish Voice.

Phi Beta Kappa, a national academic honor society, in Houston, Texas, named Gallagher the 2015 Outstanding Alumnus.

Gallagher and her husband, Curtis Huff, J.D., and more than 360 honorees and guests attended the Houston Woman Magazine Celebration Dinner on Wed., Feb 27, at the Junior League of Houston.

University of St. Thomas Past Recipients

Those previously recognized as Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine are listed, by year selected, on the website.

In past years, University of St. Thomas 50 Most Influential Women award recipients include: University of St. Thomas First Lady Marianne Ivany; Dean and Associate Professor of the Cameron School of Business Dr. Beena George; Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of the School of Education and Human Services Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters; and Dean and Professor at the Theology Dr. Sandra Magie.