TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Oct 23, 2024

Donald J. Polden, former University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law dean died Oct. 15 at the age of 76. Polden served as dean of the law school from 1993 to 2003. According to the school, he increased the diversity of the student body, raised the national profile of the faculty, and secured significant private support for the law school during his tenure. He also oversaw the law school's move to its downtown Memphis building and its admission to the Association of American Law Schools. Polden received his law degree from the University of Indiana. In a press release, the school says he was known for his commitment to diversity and access to legal education. Polden also served on numerous state and national commissions and committees, including those dedicated to improving racial and ethnic diversity in state courts, strengthening clinical legal education and improving the health of law students.