August 31, 2009                             Contact: Gabrielle Maxey, 901-678-2843

Yolanda Ingram of the University of Memphis’ Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has been named a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation. Ingram serves as the school’s assistant dean for student affairs, director of the Academic Support Program, and director of the Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law, the state’s only access and diversity summer law program. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member in the paralegal studies program and freshman orientation program.

The Foundation is the charitable wing of the Memphis Bar Association and supports law-related activities and projects through its grant program. Its mission is to promote social justice and legal education and recognize professionalism among the members of the Bar. Attorneys and judges are nominated as Fellows in recognition of their distinguished service to the legal profession.

Ingram serves on the Memphis Bar Association’s diversity committee, which runs a summer program that places high school juniors and seniors in paid internships with local law firms. Last year she received the MBA President’s Award for outstanding service to the local Bar and the legal community. Ingram serves on the board of directors of Women in Higher Education in Tennessee and the Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers. She also is a member of the Ben F. Jones branch of the National Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys. 

“This is a significant achievement for Dean Ingram,” said Kevin Smith, dean of the Law School. “Her selection as a Fellow reflects both her professionalism and community service.”

The 2009 class of Fellows will be honored at a reception Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Brinkley Plaza in downtown Memphis.