The University of South Carolina Upstate officially named its new Center for Justice and Society in honor of South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty. The announcement was made on Sept. 19 during a retirement celebration for Beatty at the Spartanburg County Courthouse.
Chief Justice Beatty, a native of Spartanburg, built a distinguished career in law and public service, and the naming of the Center served as a tribute to his lasting impact on the community and the state. The Center for Justice and Society at USC Upstate was established to carry forward his legacy by providing students studying criminal justice and law-related fields with resources, real-world experience, and opportunities to pursue careers in legal and justice-related professions.
In response to the naming, Beatty expressed his appreciation for the honor. “I am humbled and deeply grateful for this incredible honor. It is a privilege to be associated with a program and institution dedicated to shaping the future of justice and governance,” he said.
USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., echoed this sentiment, noting the university’s commitment to fostering a just and thriving society. “USC Upstate is proud to recognize Chief Justice Donald Beatty for his many years of service to the community and the state of South Carolina by naming the new Center for Justice and Society in his honor,” Harris said. “Our mission as a university is to provide education that inspires a thriving and just society. This new Center supports that goal by offering our students the opportunities and training they need to pursue careers in legal or justice-related fields – and maybe one day a seat on the South Carolina Supreme Court.”
The Center is designed to focus on using legal change as a tool for social transformation, exploring socio-legal issues that encourage critical thinking and instill a passion for justice among students and the broader community.
Allison Ellis, professor of political science at USC Upstate, highlighted the Center’s role in addressing contemporary challenges. “People who are interested in broad topics, not just law but also social justice, victims’ advocacy, or issues like domestic violence, often ask: What does that look like, and how can we work to address these challenges?” Ellis said. “The Center for Justice and Society aimed to further this conversation and establish a lasting legacy inspired by retired Justice Beatty’s commitment to justice and equality.”
Tanya Boone-Holladay, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, emphasized the significance of helping students prepare for careers in service. “We were excited that the work of the Center would honor Chief Justice Beatty’s legacy by encouraging students and others to engage with and serve their community, as he has done throughout his career,” she said.
The new Center for Justice and Society was designed to serve as a platform for future legal professionals, advocates, and community leaders, ensuring that Chief Justice Beatty’s legacy of justice, fairness, and public service would continue to inspire generations to come.