Texas Tech University's School of Law is proud to announce that Kenneth Williams will join its faculty as the first Fred
Gray Endowed Chair for Civil Rights and Constitutional Law, starting in August 2024.
Williams comes to the School of Law from South Texas College of Law Houston, bringing
a wealth of experience, scholarship, and expertise to the Fred Gray Endowed Chair.
“I am thrilled to be joining the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Law and
to take on the responsibilities of the Fred Gray Endowed Chair,” Williams said. “I'm
looking forward to contributing to the rich tradition of legal education at Texas
Tech and engaging with students on critical issues in civil rights and constitutional
law.”
Williams is a nationally-recognized expert on capital punishment. His book, “Most
Deserving of Death?” on the death penalty and Supreme Court jurisprudence, and his
numerous law review articles on capital punishment and policing highlight his dedication
to advancing legal discourse on constitutional law issues.
Williams has also served as habeas counsel for eight Texas death row inmates, with
notable success in cases involving complex constitutional issues.
At South Texas College of Law Houston, Williams has taught a variety of courses in
areas such as capital punishment, criminal procedure, international human rights,
criminal law, and evidence.
Williams earned his bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco and his
Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.
“We are honored and excited to welcome Professor Williams to Texas Tech University
School of Law as the Fred Gray Endowed Chair for Civil Rights and Constitutional Law,”
said Jack Wade Nowlin, dean of the School of Law. “With his wealth of knowledge and strong dedication to
mentoring students, I have no doubt he will greatly enrich our academic community.”
The Fred Gray Endowed Chair for Civil Rights and Constitutional Law was established
in November 2023 with a $1 million donation from Mark and Becky Lanier. The chair
is named after Fred Gray, the renowned civil rights attorney who has dedicated his
life and career to promoting equality in the law. Mr. Gray received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom in 2022, and this is the first academic chair named in his honor.