The University of Wisconsin Law School has established an endowed faculty chair in honor of the late Professor James E. Jones Jr. This is the university’s first fully funded chair named for an African American professor.
Professor Jones, a 1956 alumnus, joined the law school faculty in 1969, making him the first African-American faculty member. One of his most notable accomplishments during his tenure was founding the William H. Hastie Teaching Fellowship. The program helps Black lawyers attain tenure-track faculty positions. Professor Jones passed away in 2014 and since then, alumni of the law school have raised $1 million toward establishing the endowed chair in his name. The funds were matched through a matching program created by John and Tashia Morgridge, bringing the total endowment to $2 million.
“Professor Jones was a towering figure here at the Law School. The chair bearing his name will continue his memory and legacy here forever,” said Margaret Raymond, dean of the law school. “To everyone who knew him, it is a powerful reminder of a great teacher, mentor and colleague.”
The holder of the endowed chair will be named to begin teaching in 2022.
