Law School Honors Dean Lizbeth Jackson with John Marshall Award

  • Honoring Character, Leadership, and Service
    Honoring Character, Leadership, and Service  Dean Douglas praised Dean Jackson as a person possessed of "an incredible, generous spirit." Carl Jackson accepted the award on behalf of his late wife.  
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Carl Jackson accepted the John Marshall Award in honor of his late wife Dean Lizbeth Jackson during the Law School’s Diploma Ceremony on May 13. The award is given each year to a member of the Law School faculty, administration, or staff who has demonstrated character, leadership, and a selfless spirit of service to the Law School community. Dean Jackson passed away in February following an accident, and had served the Law School for close to three decades in various capacities including Registrar, Assistant Dean for Admission, and, most prominently, for the past 17 years, as Associate Dean for Administration. 

Dean JacksonDean Davison M. Douglas presented the award and said Jackson had “an incredible, generous spirit,” particularly in her interaction with students who found themselves in personal or academic difficulties.  He praised her profound sense of responsibility in all of her many and varied responsibilities, and shared with the audience one example. Jackson was the senior administrator in charge of the building and during periods of severe weather, when “the storm was still raging,” she would be the first to venture back to the school to check the windows and classrooms for damage.  She was devoted to the school and its students and dedicated to trying to make a difference, he said. 

You can read more about Dean Jackson's life here

The award honors the achievements of John Marshall (1755-1835), the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall was among the first students to study law under the tutelage of George Wythe at William & Mary.

Editor’s note: In memory of Dean Jackson, the Law School is accepting donations for a lighted flagpole and patio area to be located outside the entrance to the Law School’s Hixon Center. Despite the Law School’s longstanding commitment to service members and veterans, it does not have an exterior area where the flag can be displayed, something she worked on designing before her death. This patriotic tribute will honor Dean Jackson and those who served our country, including her father and husband.

You can make a donation in her honor on our secure giving site. On the form under "Gift Comment," please check the box that denotes "In Memory Of" and note in the Comments section "Memorial gift, Lizbeth Jackson, law flagpole project." You can also make your donation by calling (757) 221-3795. Checks made out to William & Mary Law School can also be mailed to P.O. Box 3527, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3527.

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