Alvin R. Washington Appointed Chancellor of Southern University Law Center

BATON ROUGE, La. — A new era is unfolding at the Southern University Law Center with the appointment of Alvin R. Washington as its next chancellor. This monumental appointment signifies not just a leadership change, but a bold new direction for the institution, one that is laser-focused on empowering the next generation of legal leaders, particularly in the critical area of bar exam success.

Washington, a renowned attorney and educator, steps into the role with a clear mission: revolutionizing student outcomes, particularly in bar passage rates, which are pivotal for future careers in law. "My top priority is to collaborate closely with our faculty, staff, and students to dramatically increase both our first-time and ultimate bar passage rates," Washington declared. "These improvements are essential not only for our students but for the future of the Law Center as we continue our mission of producing leaders who will serve and uplift underserved communities."

His appointment comes after an exhaustive national search, which involved input from Southern alumni, faculty, staff, students, and local leaders. The Southern University System Board of Supervisors unanimously approved his selection following the recommendation of Southern University System President Dennis J. Shields.

Shields, a staunch supporter of Washington, lauded his exceptional leadership as interim chancellor, saying, “Attorney Washington has proven himself as a transformative leader who is deeply committed to academic excellence and community service. His vision for the Law Center’s future is both inspiring and necessary for the advancement of the institution.”

With extensive experience both in and out of the classroom, Washington brings a unique blend of legal expertise and hands-on leadership. As a managing professor in the Law Center’s Mediation Clinic, he’s taught students in key areas such as legal research, alternative dispute resolution, and legal negotiations. His expertise extends to civil rights and insurance law, offering him a broad perspective on the legal world, which will undoubtedly benefit students and the entire academic community.

Tony Clayton, Chair of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors, expressed his full confidence in Washington’s abilities, emphasizing, “He possesses an innate understanding of how to align the operational needs of the law school with the best interests of the students. Washington’s leadership will undoubtedly steer the Law Center to new heights.”

A proud graduate of Grambling State University and holder of a J.D. from Southern University Law Center, Washington’s career spans both military and civilian service. He served as a military trial lawyer and department head for the U.S. Navy’s claims division, later serving as special assistant to the U.S. Attorney General for the Central District of California. His legal journey in Louisiana included positions as an assistant attorney general and section chief of the Civil Rights Division at the Louisiana Department of Justice.

Beyond his legal career, Washington has an enduring passion for community service. He is an active member of several influential organizations, including 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, and the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP. He also dedicates his time to the Baton Rouge Bar Association, Habitat for Humanity, and the South Louisiana Charter Foundation, underscoring his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the community.

Washington’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Southern University Law Center. He will assume his role as chancellor following the approval of his contract by the Southern University Board of Supervisors, with his official start date to be announced soon.

Under his leadership, the Law Center is poised for unprecedented growth, strengthening its reputation as a cradle for legal excellence and a beacon of opportunity for those committed to justice.