Almost 26 years ago, Georgia Athletic Association Professor David E. Shipley became a member of the University of Georgia School of Law community, initially serving as dean for five years before renewing his commitment to full-time teaching in 2003. In recognition of his service, several School of Law graduates have established a scholarship in his honor.
“David Shipley embodies everything that one seeks in a mentor in the law profession: intelligence, professionalism, and integrity,” according to 2008 alumnus Kevin E. Epps, who is one of the scholarship’s lead donors. “His passion for teaching is only rivaled by his genuine desire to connect with his students. The David Shipley Scholarship will offer the opportunity for future lawyers to carry on his amazing attributes.”
The David E. Shipley Scholarship will benefit students who were involved in campus life as undergraduates, including activities such as student government, debate, student judiciary, fraternities/sororities, athletics, writing for a school newspaper and/or leadership organizations. Additionally, Division III varsity student-athletes will be given preference.
Shipley was a history major at Oberlin College, where he swam and ran cross country and served as sports editor for the Oberlin Review. He said he is still in touch with one of his coaches and many of his teammates. Shipley earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago and served as executive editor of The University of Chicago Law Review. He said he is forever grateful for the scholarship he received during law school.
The author of two books and many articles, Shipley has taught a wide variety of courses during his 47-year career as a law professor including copyright, civil procedure, administrative law, remedies, intellectual property, family law and sports law. He is a five-time recipient of the O’Byrne Memorial Award for Significant Contributions Furthering Student-Faculty Relations, and he was selected by the graduating class to serve as faculty marshal on eight occasions.
In addition to his law school service, he has been UGA’s faculty athletics representative to both the NCAA and SEC as well as secretary for the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors since 2010. He also serves on the NCAA’s seven-member Infractions Appeals Committee.
“A law school should not only educate regarding existing law but also help develop changes in the law,” lead donor Alfred N. “Al” Corriere (J.D.’76) said. “Dean Shipley’s teaching, at home and abroad, and his ongoing work developing the law regarding student-athletes and the NCAA is helping the legal community fulfill both essential missions at UGA, nationally and internationally.”
J. Vincent “Jay” Cook Jr., a 1964 graduate who also provided a leadership gift, asked, “What better way to honor David Shipley for his dedicated and enthusiastic contributions to the students, the law school and the athletic department than to fund a well-rounded student who has demonstrated leadership potential? I invite you to consider adding your name to mine in establishing this scholarship to honor Dean David Shipley."
School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge said,"I know many of you join me in celebrating this scholarship honoring David Shipley. I especially want to thank Kevin, Al and Jay for recognizing David’s contributions to the School of Law and the greater university. I also want to acknowledge the University of Georgia Foundation and its chair, Allison C. Ausband, for contributing matching funds.
"Being one of the best returns on investment in legal education is an important point of pride for your law school. Scholarships, like this one, not only help us to make the dream of becoming a lawyer a reality and but also to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school," Rutledge said.