Professor Gene Nichol Receives Inaugural Defenders of Justice Award 

The University of North Carolina School of Law is proud to announce that Professor Gene Nichol has been named the recipient of the North Carolina Justice Center’s prestigious Lifetime Champion of Justice Award. Nichol is the first to receive this significant honor, recognizing his unwavering commitment to fighting for civil rights, social justice, and eradicating poverty in North Carolina.  

Nichol’s dedication to public service and legal education has made him the ideal award recipient. As the director of the N.C. Poverty Research Fund, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the state’s most vulnerable residents, bringing attention to their struggles and advocating for policies that promote equality and opportunity. His scholarly work, including books such as “Lessons from North Carolina: Race, Religion, Tribe and the Future of American Democracy” and “The Faces of Poverty in North Carolina: Stories from our Invisible Citizens,” has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and has helped shape the discourse on social justice issues.  

Throughout his career, Nichol has demonstrated a deep commitment to using the law for positive change. His leadership roles at the University of Colorado, College of William & Mary, and Carolina Law have allowed him to inspire and mentor countless students, encouraging them to pursue careers in public service and to use their legal skills to make a difference in their communities.  Nichol’s tireless efforts to promote justice and equality have made him a respected figure in the legal community and a powerful voice for those in need.  

The Lifetime Champion of Justice Award will be presented to Nichol during the sold-out Defenders of Justice Awards Gala on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at The Washington Duke Inn.   

The Carolina Law community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Nichol for this well-deserved recognition of his tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable society.