Reuben V. Anderson, former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice and a trailblazer in the legal profession, brings a superior record of accomplishments and experience to the board. He was the first African-American since Reconstruction to serve in several high-profile judicial positions including Mississippi Supreme Court Justice; Circuit Court Judge, 7th Circuit Court District; County Court Judge – Hinds County; and Municipal Court Judge – City of Jackson, Mississippi. Anderson, the first African-American graduate of the University of Mississippi Law School, also was the first African-American to occupy the Jamie L. Whitten Chair of Law and Government at that institution. He served as the first African-American president of the Mississippi Bar Association and currently serves as a fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and on the board of directors for numerous businesses and organizations. He is a partner in the law firm of Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. and holds a member of numerous professional organizations.