Ollen Hinnant Jr. B.A., ’52, Kentucky State University J.D., ’55, University of Kentucky
Ollen Hinnant was more than a handful for his parents, teachers and administrators during his formative years. One seventh-grade teacher helped turn his life around. She knew of his troubles, but also knew his potential. Both parents had college degrees and high expectations. The constant vigilance of his mother, exposure to the business world by his father and the commitment of a teacher who set the bar high for him provided a platform from which to launch.
classes in the 1930s but never completed a degree. In 2000, Hinnant and his sister, also a UK grad, celebrated her daughter and granddaughter’s Commencement, continuing the legacy he helped establish at the university.
“This [Commencement] is a great achievement for an African-
After completing his undergraduate studies at Kentucky State, Hinnant continued to follow his dream by enrolling in law school. In 1955, Hinnant became the first African-American student to graduate from the UK College of Law. He served his profession well and was inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame. In 1997, he became the first African American to be inducted into the UK College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame. To mark the 60th anniversary of his graduation, the college named a scholarship in his honor.
American family that couldn’t even go to school here 50 years ago. It is a milestone for our family and all African-American families … There are many things I have been able to do because I got a good education at Kentucky. I am really proud of being a graduate of UK and its
The Hinnant family has a UK legacy. He discovered that four generations of his family have taken classes through UK, including his mother who attended extension
outstanding law school.”
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