Willis (Bill) Ellis, a respected Professor Emeritus of the School of Law, passed away on August 20, 2024. He was 96 years old.
Ellis began his career in service to his country by enlisting in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman in 1945. Following his military service, he pursued an education at Wabash College, earning an A.B. degree in 1951. He continued his studies at Harvard University and Indiana University, where he obtained a J.D. from Indiana University in 1954. His early legal career included clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 1954 to 1956.
Before joining the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Law, Ellis worked as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University and served as an Associate Professor at Denver University. He joined the University of New Mexico as an Associate Professor in 1965 and was promoted to full Professor in 1968.
Reflecting on Ellis's contributions and character, former Dean Ted Parnall said: “He was a quiet, fair, and dedicated teacher when I was his student in the mid-1960s, and a fine colleague when I joined him later on the faculty." Parnall also noted Ellis's adventurous spirit: "Always pleasant and unassuming, it wasn’t unusual for Bill to show an adventurous side. He loved flying small planes, and once took me up in his airplane when he flew down and visited us at my parents’ house down in San Carlos, Mexico.”
Those who wish to share memories or tributes can do so via email at willis.ellis.memories@gmail.com.