ASU Law online grad uses degree to complement career in finance, human resources

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2021 graduates.

In the pursuit to understand the role of law in human resources and the financial industry, Todd Transue had been looking for a program like the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

“I considered about seven schools, but ASU is the best value I found. At the price point and school ranking, it is the best deal for the MLS degree,” said Transue, who serves as the chief financial officer for College Loan Corporation and its subsidiaries in Las Vegas. “Furthermore, the program allows you to emphasize in multiple areas; as I am responsible for both the compliance and HR functions in my role, I wanted to gain more knowledge in both areas.”

Finishing his degree with emphases in corporate and health care compliance, and human resources and employment law, Transue intends to complete certifications for both the compliance and HR professions.

“This degree will allow me to sit for the Certificated Compliance and Ethics Professional exam, which I plan to do after graduation,” said Transue, a native of San Diego. “I also will sit for the Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional exam.”

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: I never really thought about how much of an influence the civil rights movement in the U.S. had on U.S. employment laws. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU Law?

A: ASU Law was the best value, balancing the price point, emphasis options and law school ranking.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU Law?

A: All my professors have taught me something that I have been able to apply to my work; I have applied learnings from every course to my job which has made this program so worthwhile.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Always think about how you can apply what you learn to your job. The knowledge you are gaining is priceless and makes you a better sentinel for protecting your organization.   

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: Civility and the lack thereof.