University of Tennessee College of Law changes name after $32.5M donation.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The University of Tennessee College of Law is now known by a new name, honoring a alum and former Tennessee lawmaker, after a $32.5 million donation was made to the school.
On Friday, the UT Board of Trustees approved the name change in honor of Frank Winston. The change was made following a $32.5 million donation by the Bill Gatton Foundation. In addition to being a graduate of the College of Law, a U.S. Air Force veteran and a state house representative, UT said Winston was also a trusted friend and advisor to philanthropist and entrepreneur Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton.
Their enduring friendship, special attorney-client relationship, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to service will now shape the future of legal education at UT,” the University of Tennessee said.
The $32.5 million gift will establish opportunities for law students through two fellowship programs that are designed to produce lawyers who embody the shared values of Winston and Gatton. Those students will be known as the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. Both fellowships will award full scholarships that cover three years of Juris Doctor studies plus a generous stipend, paid summer work experience and “numerous enriching educational and professional activities,” the University of Tennessee said.
The gift will also introduce the Frank Winston Law Grants, which are three year scholarships that will give at least 50 students in each class $1,000 annually to provide additional support for costs associated with law school.We are deeply grateful to The Bill Gatton Foundation for investing in our mission to prepare future leaders of the legal profession,” the College of Law wrote on social media. “Welcome to our new chapter — the Frank Winston College of Law.”
The Winston College of Law was founded in 1890 and is the fifth named college at UT. The others are the Herbert College of Agriculture, the Haslam College of Business, the Tickle College of Engineering, and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
