News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has renamed its law school to the Frank Winston College of Law, following a $32.5 million donation from The Bill Gatton Foundation. This honor commemorates Frank Winston, a distinguished alumnus and long-time legal counsel for the foundation. The funds will support future legal education initiatives, scholarships, and fellowships, positioning the college as a leading institution in the Southeastern United States.
KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has officially renamed its law school in honor of Frank Winston, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history with a $32.5 million donation from The Bill Gatton Foundation. The new designation, Frank Winston College of Law, represents only the fifth time a college within the university has been named after an individual.
This change pays tribute to Frank Winston, an influential 1952 graduate who served as a member of the Tennessee State House of Representatives. His long-standing relationship with The Bill Gatton Foundation and his esteemed legal career, which spanned four decades, culminated in this honor following his passing in 2023.
The donation from The Bill Gatton Foundation is noteworthy, as the organization has historically focused on fundraising for the University of Kentucky. However, this recent financial commitment reflects the foundation’s acknowledgment of its close ties to Frank Winston, who acted as legal counsel to entrepreneur Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton for 25 years. Winston played a pivotal role within the foundation as a trustee until his death.
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved this substantial donation and the renaming of the law school during a special meeting held on May 16, 2025. This financial boost is expected to cover at least 10% of the operating budget for the college, ensuring the sustainability of the institution’s future endeavors.
In addition to the renaming, the building that houses the law school will also be officially designated as the Frank Winston College of Law Building. The endowment created by the foundation will provide annual fellowships and grants for students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to supporting legal education.
Over the next year, the endowment will be established before the funds can be allocated for student support. Dean Lonnie Brown has emphasized the college’s ambition to attract future legal professionals dedicated to making a positive societal impact through their work. He highlighted that scholarships would be available to students, similar to those that significantly influenced his own academic journey.
The Frank Winston College of Law aspires to become the premier law school in the Southeastern United States, with a strong emphasis on public service. The institution aims to cultivate a new generation of lawyers equipped with the skills and values necessary to shape the legal landscape of Knoxville and beyond.
Frank Winston was born in 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee. He completed his education at Bristol Tennessee High School before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1948, where he was stationed in both China and Japan. Following his military service, he attended the University of Tennessee, graduating from the law school in 1952.
Winston began his legal practice in 1953 and continued until 1994, serving in numerous leadership roles throughout his career. He made history as the youngest member elected to the Tennessee State House when he was chosen in 1955 and contributed to a variety of important state commissions during his tenure.
Upon retiring from active legal practice, Winston offered his expertise as legal counsel to Bill Gatton until his death. His character, described as humble, honest, and possessing strong moral integrity, exemplified the traits of an exceptional lawyer.
The profound impact of The Bill Gatton Foundation’s endowment is expected to enhance legal education at the Frank Winston College of Law, with new opportunities arising for aspiring public defenders and prosecutors. The college is focused on shaping the future of law and justice both locally and nationally.
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HERE Resources
University of Tennessee Law School Renamed in Honor of Alumnus
University of Tennessee Renames College of Law to Honor Frank Winston
Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee College of Law
- Knox TN Today
- Google Search: University of Tennessee College of Law donation
- WATE
- Google Scholar: University of Tennessee College of Law renaming
- Knox News on Rita Geier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rita Geier
- Law.com
- Google News: University of Tennessee College of Law Frank Winston
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