News Summary
The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has been renamed the Frank Winston College of Law after a $32.5 million donation from the Bill Gatton Foundation. This renaming honors alumnus Frank Winston and includes the creation of new fellowship programs and grants to support law students. The donation will alleviate financial burdens and enhance educational opportunities for aspiring lawyers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers in law and public service.
KNOXVILLE, TN – The University of Tennessee’s College of Law has been officially renamed the Frank Winston College of Law following a significant $32.5 million donation from the Bill Gatton Foundation. This new designation was approved by the UT Board of Trustees during a meeting held on May 16, 2025.
The renaming honors the late Frank Winston, a distinguished alumnus of the college and former Tennessee lawmaker. Winston’s contributions to the university and the legal field are recognized through the establishment of two new fellowship programs: the Frank Winston Public Interest Law Fellows and the Frank Winston Business Law Fellows. These fellowships are designed to support future leaders in the legal profession and will cover full scholarships for three years of Juris Doctor studies, as well as provide stipends, paid summer work experiences, and educational or professional development activities.
The donation from the Bill Gatton Foundation will also support ongoing academic initiatives through the creation of Frank Winston Law Grants, which will provide annual scholarships of $1,000 to at least 50 students in each class, mitigating some of the financial burdens associated with law school.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman described Mr. Winston as “one of our most distinguished alumni,” reflecting the esteem in which he is held within the academic community. The Frank Winston College of Law now joins four other named colleges within the University of Tennessee system: the Herbert College of Agriculture, the Haslam College of Business, the Tickle College of Engineering, and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
Frank Winston was known for his academic achievements, having graduated as the valedictorian and student body president from Bristol High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Air Force before graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1952, where he also served as editor of the Tennessee Law Review. Winston practiced law in Bristol for over 40 years, holding significant positions such as president of the Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Bar Association and being named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1986.
The Frank Winston College of Law, founded in 1890, plays a crucial role in preparing students for professional service in law and leadership roles. Dean Lonnie T. Brown Jr. highlighted the transformative potential of this gift, emphasizing how it can elevate the college and bolster student commitment to public service.
The legacy of Frank Winston and the support from the Bill Gatton Foundation through this substantial gift aim to enhance educational opportunities for aspiring lawyers, ensuring that future graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Tennessee Renames College of Law to Honor Frank Winston
Additional Resources
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Law School Renamed
- WATE: UT College of Law Changes Name
- Knox TN Today: UT College of Law Receives Gift
- Wikipedia: Fundraising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
