Nicholas Stump

West Virginia University College of Law Librarian Nicholas Stump is a scholar and educator specializing in environmental law, critical legal theory, and Appalachian justice movements. Holding a J.D. from WVU and an M.S.I.S. from the University of Tennessee, he teaches legal research courses with focuses on energy/environmental law and social change praxis.

• Education: M.S.I.S. (University of Tennessee, 2014), J.D. (WVU, 2011), B.A. (WVU, 2008)
• Courses: Intro & Advanced Legal Research, West Virginia Legal Research, Law & Social Movements

His research explores critical legal theory (CLR) frameworks for systemic reform, particularly in Appalachian environmental justice and global degrowth/ecosocialist movements. Publications in journals like William & Mary Environmental Law Review and platforms such as The Conversation examine intersections between law, grassroots activism, and ecological viability.

Recent scholarship trends show interdisciplinary focus on human rights frameworks for environmental protection, planetary boundaries governance, and democratic library leadership. He contributes to debates on law's role in dismantling structural inequities through works republished in major outlets like Huffington Post.

Professional engagements include presenting at Law & Society Association (2024), AALL Annual Meeting (2024), and SEAALL conferences. As Head of Research and Reference Services, he shapes library initiatives advancing open access and socio-legal advocacy.