The Higher Education of Mississippi’s First Black Female Federal Judge

DebraBrownDebra M. Brown has been confirmed as the first African American women to serve as a federal district judge in Mississippi.

Judge Brown is a graduate of the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University. After graduating from college, she worked as an architect in Washington, D.C., and was involved in several residential and commercial building projects. And she worked on a number of historical restoration projects.

Brown enrolled in the law school at the University of Mississippi in 1994 and graduated in 1997. She then entered law practice concentrating on commercial litigation and construction-related issues. She is the only attorney in the state of Mississippi who also has a degree in architecture.

Mark E. Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, stated, “The confirmation of MSU alumna Debra M. Brown to the bench of the U.S. district court is an honor for MSU and for the state of Mississippi. She will do a marvelous job.”

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