University leadership, community partners, faculty, staff and students gathered Sept. 9 to dedicate the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s newly named Winston College of Law and Frank Winston Law Building.
“Today’s celebration of the Winston College of Law is a testament to the lasting impact one person can have,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Mr. Winston, a native of East Tennessee, loved being a Volunteer. I’m grateful for the generosity of The Bill Gatton Foundation, ensuring that Frank Winston’s legacy and impact of his life and work will live on through the Winston College of Law.”
The event included remarks from Dean and Elvin E. Overton Distinguished Professor of Law Lonnie T. Brown Jr., Plowman, UT System President Randy Boyd and Frank Winston Jr. The speakers were joined by Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick, Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brian Broyles, The Bill Gatton Foundation trustees Rob Peel and Danny Dunn, and the Winston family for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the college and building.
“The dedication of the Winston College of Law marks a defining moment in our history. By proudly bearing Frank Winston’s name, our college honors a distinguished alumnus whose professional skill and personal values embody what we endeavor to impart to every student who enters our halls,” Brown said. “We are profoundly grateful to The Bill Gatton Foundation for its transformational gift, which apart from the naming also establishes the Frank Winston Public Interest and Business Law Fellows, a signature scholarship program that will enable us to attract talented future lawyers who will carry on Frank Winston’s storied legacy for years to come.”
The gift positions the college — the university’s fifth named college — to competitively recruit top students who will lead in the classroom, the community and the legal profession. The fellowships will award full scholarships covering three years of Juris Doctor studies plus a generous stipend, paid summer work experience and numerous enriching educational and professional activities. The gift also introduces Frank Winston Law Grants, three-year scholarships that will provide $1,000 annually to at least 50 students in each class to provide additional support for costs associated with law school.
In May, UT announced the college’s naming in recognition of a transformative gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation to honor the late Frank Winston, an alumnus of the college and former Tennessee lawmaker. Winston was a close personal friend of counsel to the late Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton and his many initiatives, including The Bill Gatton Foundation, for which Winston also served as a trustee.
