The College of Law announces that the Hon. James E. Graves, Jr G’80, L’80 is the Class of 2024 Commencement Speaker. Judge Graves is a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is the first Black jurist from Mississippi to serve on that court.
Judge Graves is a highly respected jurist who is known for his integrity and commitment to public service. Before being nominated to the Federal bench in 2011 by President Barack Obama, Judge Graves held legal positions in public interest settings, private practice, and state government before being appointed to county and state courts. His community involvement has earned him local, state, and federal recognition for his work to empower Mississippi’s youth. In 2018, Judge Graves was a recipient of the College of Law’s Law Honors Award. Commencement for the Class of 2024 is Friday, May 3, 2024, in the JMA Wireless Dome.