Portrait of NCCU School of Law Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson Unveiled at N.C. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of North Carolina unveiled the portrait of retired Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, the first African American woman to serve in the state's highest court and the current dean of the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, on Nov. 18.

Timmons-Goodson made history in 2006 when Governor Mike Easley '76 appointed her to the state Supreme Court, where she served until 2021. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for justice, equality and underserved communities.

"It's an incredible honor to see my portrait in the North Carolina Supreme Court, a place that holds so much of our state's history," she said. "This moment reminds me of my father, Sergeant First Class Edward Timmons, who fought for freedom and justice during the Vietnam War. He inspired me to pursue law and service, and this portrait symbolizes the progress made by so many who came before me. I hope it inspires others to continue the fight for justice and equality."

The ceremony brought together family, friends and respected figures from the legal and academic worlds, including former U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield Jr. '74 and Resident Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory.

In addition to her achievements on the state Supreme Court, Timmons-Goodson served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights after being appointed by President Barack Obama in 2014, later becoming its vice chair. In 2016, President Obama nominated her for a federal judgeship, earning her the highest rating from the American Bar Association.

Since becoming dean of the NCCU School of Law in 2023, Timmons-Goodson has focused on preparing future lawyers to make a meaningful difference. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her bachelor's and law degrees, and Duke University, where she earned her Master of Judicial Studies. She also holds honorary degrees from Johnson C. Smith University, Saint Augustine's University and UNC-Chapel Hill.