UC College of Law names new director of Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice

The University of Cincinnati College of Law has named community advocate and scholar Jenn Dye the Theodore M. Berry Director of the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice.

Dye, a 2009 graduate of Cincinnati Law, was selected after a nationwide search to serve as the inaugural Theodore Berry Director of the Center, which has an international reputation for bridging theory and practice, forging relationships with local, national, and global communities, and preparing students to become leaders in advancing justice.

Dye most recently served as research associate and director of the Human Services Research & Innovation Center for the University of Cincinnati, where she was responsible for cultivating relationships to advance research in ways that increased community impact.

“I’m excited about collaborating with the Law School community and all of the Center’s constituents to make a difference in Cincinnati,” stated Dye.

Since its founding in 2010, the Center has grown into a groundbreaking, actively engaged organization that trains and cultivates scholars, leaders, and activists committed to social change. Relaunched in 2019 as the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, the Center reaffirmed its commitment to and alignment with the principles of Judge Jones’ impressive career as a champion for justice.

Cincinnati Law Dean Verna Williams welcomed the newest member of the College of Law’s team. “We have found the ideal person to continue the Jones Center’s already impressive trajectory. Jenn Dye’s leadership will allow the Center to attain new levels of impact and engagement driven by Judge Jones’ voice and his vision of providing legal access and knowledge to all.”

Emily Houh, Gustavus Henry Wald Professor of the Law and Contracts and former co-director of the Jones Center, praised Dye for the many gifts she brings to the Center. "We are honored and excited to welcome Jenn as the Jones Center's inaugural Theodore Berry Director. Jenn has been doing social justice work effectively for a long time and in diverse ways—and she'll bring these experiences, as well as her training as a lawyer and academic, to bear on her role as the Center's new Berry Director. We couldn't be more excited about the Center's future under Jenn's leadership." 

Kristin Kalsem, Charles Hartsock Professor of Law, and former co-director of the Jones Center, agreed. “We have built a solid foundation for the Jones Center and Jenn brings experiences and vision that open up so many exciting opportunities to grow the Center’s impact, with students here at the College of Law and with collaborators at the University, local, and national levels."

About the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice

The Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice was founded in 2010 by UC law professors Emily Houh, Kristin Kalsem, and Verna Williams (now dean). The Center is dedicated to providing students with programming, experiential learning, research, and other opportunities for interdisciplinary inquiry focused on race, gender, and social justice. Signature programs associated with the Jones Center include the Joint Degree Program (JD/MA) in Law and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), Legal Participatory Action Research, Social Justice Fellowships, and the Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic. Visit www.law.uc.edu/jones-center to learn more.