News Summary
The University of Tennessee has renamed its College of Law to the Frank Winston College of Law in honor of the late alumnus and legislator. This decision, made by the Board of Trustees, comes with a $32.5 million donation from The Bill Gatton Foundation to support legal scholars through new fellowship programs. The college aims to foster future legal leaders while honoring Winston’s contributions.
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. The name change honors the late Frank Winston, a distinguished alumnus and former member of the Tennessee legislature, in recognition of his contributions to the field of law and to the university.
This renaming is paired with a significant financial commitment from The Bill Gatton Foundation, which has pledged $32.5 million to support future legal scholars. This generous gift will establish two new fellowship programs: the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. Each fellowship will provide full scholarships for three years of Juris Doctor studies, in addition to stipends, paid summer employment opportunities, and other educational activities designed to enhance the student experience.
Robert F. Peel, a graduate of the College of Law and trustee of The Bill Gatton Foundation, noted that this initiative is a tribute to Winston’s legacy and aims to support the next generation of legal leaders. The renaming and the financial support mark a significant step as the College embarks on a new chapter under its new identity.
By becoming the fifth named college at UT, the Frank Winston College of Law joins the ranks of four other distinguished colleges within the university. UT Chancellor Donde Plowman praised Frank Winston as one of the university’s most celebrated graduates, recognizing his lifelong dedication to both the law and the community.
Background on Frank Winston
Frank Winston was a lifelong resident of Bristol, Tennessee, passing away on January 25, 2023, at the age of 95. An exemplary student, he was valedictorian and served as student body president at Bristol High School before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1948. Upon returning to civilian life, he attended the University of Tennessee, graduating from the College of Law in 1952. Notably, Winston was the editor of the Tennessee Law Review and earned a place in multiple honorary societies during his time at law school.
Winston cultivated a successful law practice in Bristol, serving the community for over 40 years from 1953 to 1994. His professional achievements include being named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1986, reflecting his well-respected status within the legal community. After his retirement, he dedicated 25 years to providing legal counsel to Bill Gatton, further cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in both the legal field and the university.
The Impact of the Gift
Dean Lonnie T. Brown Jr. of the College noted that the substantial financial support will elevate the institution by enabling it to foster students dedicated to public service and legal advocacy. Alongside the fellowship programs, the gift will also create the Frank Winston Law Grants, which will provide annual assistance of $1,000 to at least 50 students in each class to help offset their law school expenses.
Brian Broyles, UT’s senior vice chancellor for advancement, emphasized the transformative effect this financial support will have on future law students, enabling them to pursue their legal education with fewer financial burdens. The Frank Winston College of Law, established in 1890, continues to train future lawyers, emphasizing the importance of leadership and public service.
The college offers various programs, including Juris Doctor and master’s degree options, and is known for its long-standing legal clinic, which is recognized as the oldest running clinic in the United States. The commitment to excellence and service remains the backbone of the college’s mission as it reaffirms its dedication to preparing skilled lawyers who will thrive in their professional endeavors.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- WATE
- Google Search: UT College of Law
- Knox News
- Google Scholar: University of Tennessee College of Law
- Law.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Education
- WJHL
- Google News: University of Tennessee Law
