A generous gift to the West Virginia University College of Law honors the distinguished career of an alumnus while opening doors of opportunity for future lawyers.
Alice Hatcher recently established the Honorable John W. Hatcher, Jr. Memorial Law Scholarship to celebrate her husband’s life of service.
“My husband wanted young people of the state to have access to educational opportunities,” Alice said. “This scholarship is our way to honor him, his accomplishments and his principles.”
The WVU College of Law prepares lawyers to serve the public, government and business with a strong emphasis on justice, ethics and professionalism. More than 6,000 attorneys have graduated from the state’s only law school since its inception in 1878.
The Hatcher scholarship is designated for West Virginia residents with first preference given to students from Fayette County.
“The creation of the Honorable John W. Hatcher, Jr. Memorial Law Scholarship is a tribute to a life devoted to service, integrity and the betterment of West Virginia,” Meaghan T. Slater, assistant dean of enrollment management, said. “This scholarship not only preserves Judge Hatcher’s legacy but also opens the door for future generations of West Virginia lawyers to carry forward his values of justice, ethics and professionalism. We are deeply grateful for this gift, which will help graduates of the WVU College of Law stand out in their profession and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
Judge Hatcher grew up in Edmond and completed political science and law degrees at WVU, graduating in 1966 and 1969, respectively. His first oath to serve was his affirmation as an attorney to uphold the laws of the United States and West Virginia and practice with integrity, dignity, civility and respect for others.
“He was very proud and grateful for the education he received at WVU,” Alice said. “He returned a number of times to speak to classes at the College of Law. He was also extremely proud of being a West Virginian.”
Judge Hatcher recited his second oath of office when he was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army. He served as a Judge Advocate General in Vietnam.
Following an honorable discharge from the military, the longtime Fayette County practicing attorney took a third oath of service as the county’s legislative representative in the state House of Delegates.
Judge Hatcher’s commitment to service and community continued in 1991, when he was sworn into office as 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge in Fayette County.
“Judge Hatcher is a wonderful example of the many ways a law degree can be used in public service, the military, private practice, legislative governance and on the bench,” Susan Brewer, interim dean of the law school, said. “The College of Law is so grateful for his fine example as well as the constant support he has provided us over the years.”
Hatcher and his wife moved to Florida following his retirement in 2018. He was 81 when he died on July 11, 2025.
Alice Hatcher’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the university.
Gifts to the Honorable John W. Hatcher Jr. Memorial Law Scholarship, fund 3Z1184, can be made securely online at give.wvu.edu. Donations can also be mailed to WVU Foundation, PO Box 1650, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26507, with the memo line indicating fund 3Z1184.
