NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University is honoring the legal career and legacy of Judge Robert B. King with a new scholarship at the WVU College of Law. Judge King, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit since being appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998, had his portrait unveiled in a ceremony held on April 4th. His sister, Mary Ellen Mazey, a former Dean of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is leading the efforts to fundraise for the scholarship.

The Judge Robert Bruce King Law Scholarship aims to benefit law students from West Virginia with a preference given to graduates from the WVU Eberly College. “Judge King’s legacy in the legal field is profound, and we are honored to celebrate his impact with this scholarship," said Amelia Smith Rinehart, William J. Maier, Jr. Dean and professor of law. "His career exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, service, and dedication to justice."

Judge King, a two-time WVU alumnus, has had a distinguished career, serving as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia and co-founding the law firm King Betts & Allen. Mary Ellen Mazey expressed her admiration for her brother, describing him as her role model and highlighting his contributions to the legal field.

In addition to the law scholarship, Mazey is establishing a joint scholarship at the WVU Eberly College. The Judge Robert Bruce King and Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey Scholarship will support undergraduate students from West Virginia. WVU Eberly College Dean Greg Dunaway praised Mazey's generosity, stating, "Judge King’s legacy is a testament to the life-changing power of education and public service."

Mazey, now residing in Ohio, has also previously co-established the Gladys Hoylman King Scholarship in honor of their mother, which benefits WVU Eberly College undergraduates from Greenbrier County. Mazey’s new scholarship initiatives reflect her passion for fundraising and her belief in the transformative power of education.

All donations for the scholarships are managed by the WVU Foundation, a nonprofit organization that oversees private contributions to the University.