Carter Chair Emeritus R. Perry Sentell Jr. (LL.B.’58)

On Jan. 28, 2021, Carter Chair Emeritus R. Perry Sentell Jr. passed away at the age of 86.

A 1958 law school alumnus, he retired in 2004 after 46 years of teaching and service at UGA.

Sentell was a titan in the legal academy and a demanding instructor who set high expectations, but with a warm heart, for his students. Many of his students have added to his legacy by holding leadership roles in the bar, the bench and government.

The author of nearly 30 books, Sentell taught Torts, Municipal Corporations and Law of Legislative Government.

When he retired, he said the hardest aspect of his job was attracting a student’s interest in the subject matter and holding that interest day after day for 14 weeks per semester. Two of his renowned torts tactics were the naming of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Scholar and the Palsgraf Person, both of which are titles of great pride for his former students.

Among his law school honors are a bust in the Alexander Campbell King Law Library, the law school’s Distinguished Service Scroll Award and an endowed scholarship fund named in his honor.

He is survived by his son, Robert Perry Sentell III; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sadly, his wife, Jeannette, passed away eight days prior to his death.

Dean Edward D. “Ned” Spurgeon

Former Dean Edward D. “Ned” Spurgeon passed away on January 2, 2021, at the age of 81, after battling cancer for several years.

He served as dean of the School of Law from 1993 to 1998 and was a member of the faculty for another five years specializing in law, public policy and aging; taxation of gifts, estates and trusts; and estate planning.

When he retired from UGA, he said the high points of his deanship were: the creation of the civil clinical program, the increase in student body diversity, the expansion of the faculty, the construction and dedication of Dean Rusk Hall, the participation in new international advocacy and educational programs as well as the winning of several national advocacy championships.

After leaving UGA, his connection to the law school remained constant through his support of the Spurgeon Fellowship, which continues to provide funding for law students working in summer public interest positions.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Michael and Stephen; and four grandchildren.