The Connecticut NAACP will honor UConn Law Dean Eboni S. Nelson on Saturday as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.

Nelson took office as dean of the UConn School of Law on July 31, 2020, the first Black person to hold that post on a permanent basis. In addition to navigating the School of Law through much of the pandemic and negotiating the return to in-person instruction this fall, Nelson has overseen several new initiatives.

Under Nelson’s leadership, the law school has expanded its Master of Laws programs with a new LLM degree in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance; established the Constance Belton Green Diversity Fund to support diversity, racial and social justice initiatives; and engaged in an ambitious philanthropy drive to mark the law school’s centennial. The law school has also launched a new website during her tenure and will engage in the coming year in a strategic planning process.

The Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches will honor Nelson and other Black leaders with a reception on Saturday at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, featuring a keynote address from Rob Rooks, chief executive officer of the Reform Alliance. A special performance by hip-hop artist Nas will follow the reception.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Nelson said. “Because of the NAACP’s fight for justice and civil rights, I along with my fellow honorees have been afforded opportunities that we otherwise would not have had. For that, I thank the NAACP, and I congratulate all honorees.”

Nelson earned her JD from Harvard Law School and a BA in psychology from Wake Forest University. She currently serves on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Board of Trustees and the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity Board of Directors.