On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Dean Emeritus Jace C. Gatewood was honored with the TORCH Award at the 15th Annual RICE Awards held at Atlanta City Hall. The TORCH Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to community betterment.
The Rising In Community Excellence (RICE) Awards is an annual event that celebrates individuals and organizations in greater Atlanta for their outstanding contributions to the community. The TORCH Award is one of the highest honors presented, acknowledging those who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving the lives of others. The ceremony at City Hall brought together leaders, community members, and honorees to celebrate individuals who exemplify excellence and service.
Dean Emeritus Jace C. Gatewood: A Legacy of Leadership
Dean Gatewood served as the 10th Dean and CEO of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), becoming the first African American to hold the position since the institution’s founding in 1933. Under his leadership from January 2020 to the conclusion of the 2024–2025 academic year, AJMLS navigated significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Dean Gatewood oversaw the transition of AJMLS to a non-profit entity, the establishment of the John Marshall Law School Foundation, and the development of a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities.
Prior to his tenure as Dean, Gatewood was a senior member of the faculty since 2008, serving in roles such as Associate Professor, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, and Associate Dean of Academic Programs. He taught a range of courses including Property, Business Organizations, Sales and Secured Transactions, Wills, Trusts and Estates, and Agency and Negotiations. Gatewood has authored numerous scholarly publications, with his chief research topic being the Fourth Amendment and an individual’s right to privacy in an increasingly technological world.
Before entering academia, Gatewood practiced for nearly two decades in New York and Atlanta at Weil Gotshal LLP, Troutman Sanders LLP, Powell Goldstein LLP, Atlanta Housing Authority, and the Law Offices of Jace C. Gatewood. He specialized in a wide range of commercial lending and corporate and real estate finance transactions. His expertise includes the representation of lenders and foreign and domestic commercial banks in the establishment and administration of single lender and syndicated loan facilities of all kinds.
Dean Gatewood attended Georgetown University, where he was a full scholarship track and field athlete. He was also a world and American record-holder for the Distance Medley Relay in 1980. He went on to earn his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Inspiring a Community
Receiving the TORCH Award highlights Dean Gatewood’s unwavering dedication to public service and his lasting contributions to legal education and the Atlanta community. Throughout his career, he has been a mentor to countless students, a collaborator with faculty and staff, and a leader who guided AJMLS through periods of growth and transformation. His initiatives, including advancing academic programs and enhancing community engagement, reflect a commitment to excellence that will influence the law school for years to come.
The values he championed will continue to resonate with students, alumni, and colleagues, ensuring that his legacy will endure well beyond his tenure. These achievements serve as an inspiring example of how leadership in education can create meaningful change both within and beyond the classroom.