Dean Jenkins Joins the Board of the National Women’s Law Center

Garry W. Jenkins, dean and William S. Pattee Professor of Law, has joined the board of directors of the National Women’s Law Center, a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

For 50 years, NWLC has used the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes society and to break down the barriers that harm all people, especially women of color, LGBTQ communities, and low-income women and families. The storied organization has been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women and girls and continues to serve as a key driver of systemic change in our institutions and our country.

“I cannot imagine a more critical time to join the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization focused on gender equity and justice,” Jenkins said.  “I’m especially honored and grateful to join such an impressive group of staff and philanthropists, advocates, executives, and volunteer leaders who collectively support the storied institution’s legal, policy, and advocacy work to defend and promote women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights.  In this particular moment, I believe we need strong, vital organizations like the National Women’s Law Center more than ever.” In joining the NWLC board, Jenkins continues to live and embody the University of Minnesota Law School’s mission of community engagement and service by turning passion into action.

“We’re very pleased that Dean Jenkins has agreed to join the Board of Directors,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of NWLC, in welcoming Jenkins. “He brings a wealth of experience and insight at a tipping point for our organization and in this nation’s fight to protect women’s fundamental rights to liberty and equality. I look forward to working with him.”

Jenkins, now starting his seventh year as dean, is Minnesota Law’s eleventh dean. His research and teaching have focused on the law of nonprofit organizations, leadership studies, corporate law and governance, and civil rights law.  As dean, he provides vision and leads strategic planning and implementation, academic programs, fundraising, community engagement, and partnerships with the legal profession and other academic institutions.