Honorary Degrees
1918 - Present
 



Charles O'Neill Galvin 
Doctor of Laws  2005
Status: conferred

Charles O'Neill Galvin, distinguished legal scholar and educator, ranks as the longest-serving dean in the history of SMU's School of Law, now Dedman School of Law. As dean from 1963 to 1978, Galvin played a major role in the school's rise in international prominence. He significantly strengthened the school's international dimensions through faculty appointments and expansion of the Master of Laws in Comparative and International Law degree program, which draws law school graduates from around the world. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, he completed his law degree and engaged in private law practice before joining the SMU faculty in 1952. A leading tax and tax policy scholar, he is the author or co-author of five books and more than 60 articles. He was a pioneer in building bridges between tax scholars and practicing attorneys to promote tax reform through legislation. After leaving SMU, Galvin completed his academic career as Centennial Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University. Since 1994 he has served Of Counsel at Haynes and Boone, LLP in Dallas. For his advancement of international legal education, his contributions to legal scholarship, and his leadership in tax reform, Southern Methodist University is honored to confer upon Charles O'Neill Galvin the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.