Graduate School becomes James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies

August 24, 2009

Emory's Board of Trustees has approved naming the Graduate School after James T. Laney, Emory University president from 1977 until 1994.

In a statement released by the University today, President James Wagner said that "the naming of the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies honors the vision and leadership of Jim Laney, whose ambitious plan for Emory revolved around graduate education.  He understood clearly that the core of great research universities lies in the training of new generations of intellectual leaders for the academy and for the public good."

Laney commented that "Emory's decision to name the Graduate School for me is the greatest honor of my life.  From the very first, Emory has been in my heart, and I am deeply touched and humbled to always be associated with the university in such a special way."

"The Graduate School is deeply honored to carry forward the inspiration of President Laney's vision for higher education, for Emory, and for the central role of graduate education," said Dean Lisa A. Tedesco.

"Guided by President Laney, Emory grew not just in size and standing, but also – and President Laney saw this clearly – in outlook and vision, claiming a place on the national and international stage as a peer of the great research universities around the world. Central to that role is a vibrant intellectual community built around doctoral education spanning the depth and breadth of the whole University."

"Under the leadership of President Jim Wagner, we are again striving to move Emory into new territory," continued Dean Tedesco. "Our strategic plan envisions Emory as a leader, as one among an elite group of universities articulating new directions for higher education and for the creation of new knowledge.  The James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies is proud and excited to play a central role in realizing these ambitions."