Ashland Inc.–Spears Law Professor Announced
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 28, 2008) − Robert G. Schwemm has been named
the first Ashland Inc.–Spears Distinguished Research Professor for the University of
Kentucky College of Law. His five-year term will begin July 1, 2008. His selection was
based on a history of excellence in scholarly achievement and his promise of excellence in
scholarly achievements during his five years in the professorship. A committee comprised
of Dean Steven L. Hoch of UK’s College of Arts and Sciences, Chief Justice Joseph Lambert
of the Kentucky Supreme Court, and Chief Judge Jennifer Coffman of the U.S. District Court for
Eastern District of Kentucky selected Schwemm for the honor.
Professor Schwemm has taught at the College of Law since 1975. He teaches civil procedure, constitutional law and civil rights. Prior to becoming a law teacher, Schwemm practiced in Washington, D.C., with Sidley & Austin and then was chief trial counsel for the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities in Chicago, Ill. He is a graduate of Amherst College and the Harvard Law School.
Schwemm is a national authority on the Fair Housing Act and has traveled the Unites States as a speaker during the FHA’s 40th anniversary this year. His publications include a treatise titled "Housing Discrimination: Law and Litigation" and articles in the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, the Yale Law & Policy Review, and law reviews at Notre Dame, George Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio State, Richmond, Wisconsin, and Indiana. He has been counsel in many important fair housing cases, including three in the U.S. Supreme Court, the most recent of which was Meyer v. Holley in 2003 where he represented a California mixed-race couple who were discriminated against in their efforts to buy a house. He served as acting dean of the UK College of Law in 1998-99.
"Ashland has been a strong supporter of the College of Law for many years, and Dick Spears was one of our most distinguished alumni,” Schwemm said. “I am honored to be the first holder of this distinguished chair.”
The professorship is named for Richard W. Spears, UK Law ’61. Spears joined Ashland as a staff attorney in 1964. As he rose to senior vice president, Spears promoted education in Kentucky. Through Spear’s leadership, Ashland Oil established the Ashland Inc. Legal Scholars Program for student scholarships and the Ashland Oil Professorships for faculty. Spears died in 2007.
“Bob Schwemm has been a classroom icon to UK law students over the last 30 years. His students and colleagues all recognize the importance of his research and his strong influence on national housing policies,” said Louise Graham, acting dean for the UK College of Law. “Professor Schwemm is one of UK’s greatest strengths, and I am pleased that the school was able to recognize his work through this award.”
Professor Schwemm has taught at the College of Law since 1975. He teaches civil procedure, constitutional law and civil rights. Prior to becoming a law teacher, Schwemm practiced in Washington, D.C., with Sidley & Austin and then was chief trial counsel for the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities in Chicago, Ill. He is a graduate of Amherst College and the Harvard Law School.
Schwemm is a national authority on the Fair Housing Act and has traveled the Unites States as a speaker during the FHA’s 40th anniversary this year. His publications include a treatise titled "Housing Discrimination: Law and Litigation" and articles in the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, the Yale Law & Policy Review, and law reviews at Notre Dame, George Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio State, Richmond, Wisconsin, and Indiana. He has been counsel in many important fair housing cases, including three in the U.S. Supreme Court, the most recent of which was Meyer v. Holley in 2003 where he represented a California mixed-race couple who were discriminated against in their efforts to buy a house. He served as acting dean of the UK College of Law in 1998-99.
"Ashland has been a strong supporter of the College of Law for many years, and Dick Spears was one of our most distinguished alumni,” Schwemm said. “I am honored to be the first holder of this distinguished chair.”
The professorship is named for Richard W. Spears, UK Law ’61. Spears joined Ashland as a staff attorney in 1964. As he rose to senior vice president, Spears promoted education in Kentucky. Through Spear’s leadership, Ashland Oil established the Ashland Inc. Legal Scholars Program for student scholarships and the Ashland Oil Professorships for faculty. Spears died in 2007.
“Bob Schwemm has been a classroom icon to UK law students over the last 30 years. His students and colleagues all recognize the importance of his research and his strong influence on national housing policies,” said Louise Graham, acting dean for the UK College of Law. “Professor Schwemm is one of UK’s greatest strengths, and I am pleased that the school was able to recognize his work through this award.”