The University Of Utah: Statement On The Death Of U Alumnus Henry Lee Adams

Press release from The University of Utah:

Taylor Randall, president, and Elizabeth Kronk Warner, dean, S. J. Quinney College of Law

October 23, 2021

“The University of Utah is great because of its people and the transformative impact they have on the world around us,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “Henry made a difference before he came to the U and certainly after attaining his law degree. His life is an example of the positive influence we hope all our students embrace after they graduate from the U.”

During his distinguished legal career, Adams also worked for the Internal Revenue Service, Kennecott Copper and as a hearing judge and attorney for the Navajo Nation. He was recognized by the Utah Minority Bar Association as one of the first 50 African American, Hispanic and Native American lawyers to become a pioneer in the field in Utah.

“Henry Adams was a remarkable member of the College of Law community,” said Elizabeth Kronk Warner, dean of the S. J. Quinney College of Law. “His legal talents were expansive, and throughout his career, he used them in service to many as both a judge and an attorney. Henry’s many accomplishments are proof that the law is one of the most powerful tools to serve one’s community, and today we are proud to honor his life’s work.”

Adams’ sister, Afesa Marie Adams, M.S. ’73, Ph.D. ’75, who passed away in 2018, also had a monumental impact on our community. As an alumna and faculty member of the U’s Department of Psychology and associate vice president for Academic Affairs, she was an instrumental leader in early campus diversity efforts and initiated “MLK Days of Remembrance” activities, among other notable accomplishments.

Along with the entire U community, we send our sincerest condolences to the Adams family.

This press release was produced by The University of Utah. The views expressed here are the author’s own.