The University of Tennessee College of Law recently named Katrice W. Jones Morgan as its first director of diversity and inclusion.
The new position is part of Dean Melanie D. Wilson’s initiative to promote greater diversity at UT Law and further enrich the college’s community.
“I want to ensure that UT Law is a welcoming, open environment for all who visit, study, and work with us,” Wilson said. “Already a champion of diversity and inclusion for our college, Katrice’s new leadership role is a natural fit.”
Morgan, who also serves as the assistant dean for student affairs at the College of Law, began in her new capacity August 1.
“I’m proud of the progress UT Law has made in the last two decades in the areas of diversity and inclusion,” Morgan said. “I look forward to the honest conversations and purposeful collaborations our students, faculty, staff, and alumni will have to improve our understanding and appreciation of individual differences. Together we’ll continue to build an exemplary community where diversity and inclusion are seamlessly interwoven with professionalism, scholarship, service, and our other core values.”
Morgan has worked at the College of Law since 2007. She previously served UT as assistant director of advising services for the College of Arts and Sciences from 1999 to 2001. She also serves as a UT Diversity LEAD and meets regularly with the university’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Beyond UT, Morgan was assistant district attorney general for the 6th Judicial District of Tennessee from 2001 to 2007.
A native of Knoxville, Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UT and a law degree from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
“Dean Morgan brings passion, knowledge, and a deeply rooted commitment to this new role, all of which will help us foster a truly inclusive community at the college,” said Wendy Bach, associate professor of law and chair of the college’s Committee on Community and Inclusion, which promotes diversity and plans related events and programs at UT Law. “I’m excited about our new initiatives and look forward to working with Dean Morgan, our colleagues, and student leaders on these crucial issues.”
Upcoming diversity-related events at UT Law include Safe Zone training on LGBT issues for faculty, staff, and students on September 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon; “A Forum on Marriage in Light of Obergefell v. Hodges,” presented by Bach and Michael Higdon, associate professor of law and director of legal writing, on September 21 at noon; and a lecture by Wilson on October 19 at noon, titled “Race, Policing, and Criminal Justice: The Lawyer’s Impact on Liberty and Social Change.”