Submitted photo
Jennifer Powell, Assistant Dean for Student Services and Engagement at the WVU College of Law, stands with Noah Bailey, Class of 2026 Treasurer.
MORGANTOWN – Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia Inc. announces the establishment of the Jennifer Powell Book Fund, a new endowment created to support West Virginia University College of Law students.
Established through YCF as the Class Gift of the WVU College of Law Class of 2026, the Jennifer Powell Book Fund will provide lasting, need-based support for law students. The fund will help ensure that the cost of textbooks and other required learning materials does not become a barrier to student success.
The fund honors Jennifer Powell, Assistant Dean for Student Services and Engagement at the WVU College of Law, in recognition of her decades of service to law students. The fund reflects the values Powell has championed throughout her career, including public service, access to justice, and student well-being.
“I am incredibly honored that the Class of 2026 chose to establish this fund in my name,” Powell said. “Getting to know our students and supporting them throughout their law school journey has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I know firsthand that the cost of books and other required materials can add an extra financial burden for students, and I am grateful that this fund will provide meaningful support to future students for years to come.”
As part of the College of Law’s tradition, the third-year class is responsible for selecting a class gift that benefits either future students or the law school itself. For the Class of 2026, creating a permanent fund that could provide assistance to future students was especially meaningful.
“As a class, we wanted our gift to be something that would have an impact beyond our time at the College of Law,” said Chris Payne, president of the WVU College of Law Class of 2026. “We felt that creating a permanent fund to help future students with the costs of law school was a meaningful way to give back. Our class developed such a great relationship with Jennifer Powell, and we knew she would understand the needs of students and help make sure the funds reached those who could benefit from them most.”
Through donations from members of the Class of 2026, their friends and family, the fund reached the $10,000 minimum required to establish the endowment and will make its first distribution in 2027. Payne continues to encourage classmates, alumni, friends, and others to contribute to the fund so it can grow, provide larger distributions, and support more students in the future.
“Our classmates came together to reach the $10,000 needed to establish the fund, and I’m proud that it will make its first distribution in 2027,” Payne said. “I hope others will consider contributing as well, so we can continue growing the fund and provide even greater support to WVU law students in the future.”
Each year, distributions from the fund will be made to the WVU College of Law. Beneficiaries will be selected by the Dean of Student Services, and funds may be used to purchase books and other required learning materials.
The Jennifer Powell Book Fund provides the Class of 2026 with an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at WVU College of Law while helping future students navigate the financial challenges of earning a law degree.
To learn more about the fund or to make a charitable contribution to the Jennifer Powell Book Fund, please visit ycfwv.org or call 304-296-3433.
