Praised for his “courageous and tenacious” support of justice and equality, Professor Dwight Aarons was honored with the RBJ Campbelle Award at this year’s Blackshear Gala, hosted by the Black Law Students Association at UT.
Professor Aarons is “an outstanding, quiet, and humble educational leader who continues to serve as a role model for our students,” said Dean Melanie Wilson in presenting the award. “Throughout his career, [he] has advanced justice and equality through his teaching, his scholarship, and his service to the college and the community.”
The RBJ Campbelle Award is named in honor of R.B.J. Campbelle, Jr., a 1956 alumnus who was the first black student to graduate from UT Law. The award is given to a graduate or friend of the law school each year in recognition of his or her “extraordinary efforts to advance the cause of equality and justice” at the College of Law. Aarons has served as the faculty advisor to the Black Law Students Association at UT for more than 20 years. He has coached the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Team for over a decade, and is loved and respected by his students who praise both his passion and his desire to bring out the best in them.
In addition to teaching, Professor Aarons has been a long-standing member of UT Law’s faculty committee for Community and Inclusion. He has led community dialogue about overcriminalization and his scholarship has increased scrutiny of the death penalty.
“Everything about Dwight Aarons advances equality and justice,” said Wilson.
Professor Aarons was joined by his parents, Charles and Regina Aarons.
The following video is a tribute to Professor Dwight Aarons by some of his current and former students.