News Summary
The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has been renamed the Frank Winston College of Law, honoring esteemed alumnus Frank Winston. This change is accompanied by a significant $32.5 million donation from the Bill Gatton Foundation, aimed at establishing fellowships and grants to support law students in their pursuit of public service and social justice. The renaming highlights Winston’s legacy and commitment to legal education, fostering leadership and service among future lawyers.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has been officially renamed the Frank Winston College of Law following a decision made by the Board of Trustees on May 16, 2025. This renaming pays tribute to the late Frank Winston, an esteemed alumnus and former Tennessee lawmaker, whose legacy continues to inspire future generations of law students.
The name change is part of a larger initiative supported by a transformational donation of $32.5 million from the Bill Gatton Foundation, an organization that Winston was deeply affiliated with during his lifetime. The foundation will not only support the college’s renaming but also provide robust financial support for law students through newly established fellowship programs.
Two key initiatives stand out from this significant donation: the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. Each fellowship will cover full scholarships for three years, providing students with a stipend, paid summer work experiences, and a range of enriching educational activities. These fellowships aim to support aspiring lawyers who are dedicated to public service and social justice.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman remarked on the impact of Winston’s contributions, recognizing him as “one of our most distinguished alumni.” Winston’s legacy extends beyond the financial support, fostering a culture of leadership and service, key tenets in legal education.
In addition to the fellowship programs, the gift will fund the Frank Winston Law Grants, which will offer $1,000 annually to at least 50 students in each incoming law class. Such initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden on students and encourage more candidates to pursue careers in law.
About Frank Winston
Frank Winston, a lifelong resident of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away at the age of 95 on January 25, 2023. His academic journey began at Bristol High School, where he was both valedictorian and student body president in 1946. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1948, stationed in China and Japan, a formative experience that shaped his future endeavors.
Winston attended the University of Tennessee, graduating from the College of Law in 1952. During his time as a law student, he distinguished himself as editor of the Tennessee Law Review and as a member of several honor societies. Following his graduation, he practiced law in Bristol for over four decades, from 1953 until his retirement in 1994. He became renowned for his leadership roles within the legal community and was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1986.
After retiring from active law practice, Winston dedicated 25 years to serving as counsel to Bill Gatton, contributing significantly to various initiatives spearheaded by Gatton.
University of Tennessee College of Law
Established in 1890, the University of Tennessee’s College of Law is recognized nationally for its legal education programs, particularly its Legal Clinic, the longest-running clinical law program in the United States. The college is now the fifth named college at UT, joining four others as a part of the university’s commitment to excellence in education.
Overall, the renaming of the College of Law to the Frank Winston College of Law signifies a lasting tribute to a dedicated alumnus, while paving the way for future legal practitioners committed to service and leadership in the field.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee College of Law
- Knox TN Today
- Google Search: University of Tennessee College of Law
- WATE
- Google Scholar: Frank Winston College of Law
- Law.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Education
- Eastern Progress
- Google News: Frank Winston
