News Summary
The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has been renamed the Frank Winston College of Law, honoring the legacy of alumnus Frank Winston. This change is supported by a $32.5 million gift to enhance legal education and establish fellowships for students in public interest and business law. The college aims to continue its mission of preparing future legal professionals while recognizing outstanding alumni contributions.
Knoxville, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has officially been renamed the Frank Winston College of Law following a decision made by the Board of Trustees during their meeting on May 16, 2025. The renaming honors the legacy of the late Frank Winston, a celebrated alumnus and former state lawmaker.
This significant change is supported by a generous $32.5 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation, which aims to enhance the College of Law’s offerings and support its students. Frank Winston, who passed away on January 25, 2023, at the age of 95, was a lifelong resident of Bristol, Tennessee, and was known for his extensive contributions to both law and education.
As part of the endowment, the college will establish two notable fellowship programs: the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. These fellowships will provide full scholarships for three years of Juris Doctor studies, along with stipends and paid summer work experiences, facilitating the opportunity for students committed to public service and business law.
Additionally, the donation will create Frank Winston Law Grants, which will offer $1,000 annually to at least 50 students per class for three years, further assisting students in their pursuit of legal education.
Lonnie T. Brown Jr., the dean of the Frank Winston College of Law, noted that this transformative gift will elevate the college and significantly benefit students dedicated to public service. The rebranding and financial support will help advance the mission of the college, which has been preparing students for legal careers since its establishment in 1890.
Frank Winston’s history is marked by outstanding academic and professional achievements. He was valedictorian and student body president in high school in 1946 and also played basketball while serving as the editor of the student newspaper. Winston then served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1948, stationed in China and Japan before going on to graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1952. His time in law school was marked by an impressive involvement in scholarly activities, including serving as the editor of the Tennessee Law Review and being a member of prestigious honor societies.
Following his graduation, Winston spent 40 years practicing law in Bristol, where he took on leadership roles in various legal associations and was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1986. After retiring from his law practice, he dedicated 25 years working closely with Bill Gatton, which included his role as counsel.
The renaming of the College of Law to honor Frank Winston is part of a broader initiative by the University of Tennessee to acknowledge outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields. The Frank Winston College of Law now joins a group of four other named colleges at the university. Chancellor Donde Plowman recognized Winston as one of the University of Tennessee’s most distinguished alumni, further solidifying the impact of his legacy.
The Frank Winston College of Law is committed to preparing future legal professionals with a focus on leadership and public service. It offers various programs, including Juris Doctor and master’s degrees, and is home to multiple academic centers that emphasize business law, advocacy, and leadership in justice. Moreover, the college’s Legal Clinic is celebrated as the longest-running legal clinical program in the United States, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to legal education and community service.
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- Google Search: University of Tennessee College of Law
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- Law.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Tennessee College of Law
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