UM Law Alumni Create Scholarship Endowment

John Keith Perry Jr. and Ravonda L. Griffin establish $50,000 fund to support future attorneys

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:36am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring repeated images of a gavel, law books, and a diploma in a grid pattern, representing the legal profession and the scholarship endowment established by UM Law alumni.Vibrant pop art celebrates the generosity of UM Law alumni supporting the next generation of attorneys.Oxford Today

Two alumni of the University of Mississippi School of Law, John Keith Perry Jr. and Ravonda L. Griffin, have created a $50,000 scholarship endowment to provide financial support to qualified students pursuing Juris Doctor degrees. Perry, a 1998 graduate, and Griffin, a 2012 graduate, are co-founding partners of the law firm Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law in Southaven.

Why it matters

The scholarship endowment aims to alleviate financial pressures for law students and help attract future attorneys to the legal profession. As alumni, Perry and Griffin understand the challenges of attending law school and want to support the next generation of legal professionals.

The details

The Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law Scholarship Endowment will be awarded to full-time law students who demonstrate financial need and may be renewed for up to six semesters for recipients who remain in good academic standing. Both Perry and Griffin were active leaders during their time at the University of Mississippi School of Law, earning academic honors and serving in student government roles.

  • The scholarship endowment was established in March 2026.

The players

John Keith Perry Jr.

A 1998 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and co-founding partner of Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law.

Ravonda L. Griffin

A 2012 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and co-founding partner of Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law.

University of Mississippi School of Law

The law school where Perry and Griffin earned their Juris Doctor degrees and are now supporting future students through a scholarship endowment.

Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law

The law firm co-founded by Perry and Griffin, which serves clients across Tennessee and north Mississippi.

Frederick G. Slabach

The dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law, who expressed appreciation for the attorneys' investment in future legal professionals.

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What they’re saying

“Recognizing the immense commitment required of law students, we wanted to make a gift that could meaningfully support them in that journey. Our hope is that it helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that accompany attending law school.”

— John Keith Perry Jr., Co-founding Partner, Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law

“As someone who understands the journey of becoming a lawyer, I know firsthand that the path to the legal profession requires determination, sacrifice and support. Providing a scholarship for law students is my way of helping lift others as they pursue their calling to the legal profession.”

— Ravonda L. Griffin, Co-founding Partner, Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law

“The generosity of Mr. Perry and Ms. Griffin will empower generations of law students to pursue their academic and professional goals without the added strain of financial hardship.”

— Frederick G. Slabach, Dean, University of Mississippi School of Law

What’s next

The Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law Scholarship Endowment is open to additional support from individuals and businesses. Gifts can be made through the University of Mississippi Foundation.

The takeaway

This scholarship endowment demonstrates the commitment of UM Law alumni to support the next generation of attorneys and reduce financial barriers for aspiring legal professionals. It reflects the school's strong alumni network and the desire of successful graduates to give back to their alma mater.