MS HR99

Commends Dean Patricia W. Bennett upon her retirement as Dean of Mississippi College School of Law after a distinguished legal career spanning multiple sectors including the U.S. Army Reserve, Mississippi National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Recognizes Bennett's service as MC Law faculty member since 1989, where she held the position of Henry Vaughan Watkins and Selby Watkins McRae Professor of Law and directed the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Center.

Honors Bennett as the immediate past-president of The Mississippi Bar, the third female, second African American, and first female African American to serve in that role, and as the 2014 recipient of Mississippi College's Distinguished Professor Award.

Documents Bennett's extensive professional involvement including service as president of the Hinds County Bar Association, Fifth Circuit Federal Bar Association, and Charles Clark Chapter of the American Inns of Court, along with membership in multiple bar associations.

Acknowledges numerous honors and awards Bennett received throughout her career, including the 2019 National Pre-Law John Mercer Langston Legal Education Leadership Award and recognition as one of Mississippi's Top Leading Attorneys in 2019.