Gary R. Wade

Gary R. Wade (born May 31, 1948 ) is a former Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Following retirement he was named vice president and Dean of Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law on July 28, 2015, taking the position on September 9, 2015.

Education Wade received his Bachelor of Science degree cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 1970 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1973.

Career Wade was in private practice from 1973 to 1987. He served as the mayor of Sevierville from 1977 to 1987. Wade was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in 1987, and was elected 1988. He was re-elected in 1990, 1998 and 2006. Wade served as presiding judge of the court from 1998 to 2006.

Wade was appointed to the Tennessee supreme court on May 30, 2006, by Governor Phil Bredesen and took office on September 1, 2006. He was one of four justices on the five-justice court appointed by Bredesen. Wade served as chief justice on September 1, 2012, from to August 31, 2014.

Wade was retained by Tennessee's voters to a full eight-year term on the court in August 2008 and retained again in August 2014 to another eight-year term. Wade retired on September 8, 2015.

The state's Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommended Justice Wade be retained for another term in the August 7, 2014 retention election.

Awards and recognition 2011: Scouts of America Great Smoky Mountain Council Good Scout Award 2010: Recipient of the Legacy Award from Friends of the Smokies 2009: Lincoln Memorial University Commencement, Keynote Speaker 2007–2008: Power100, Business TN 2007: Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity 2007: United States Department of Interior Citizens Award for Exceptional Service 2006: East Tennessee Regional Leadership Award 2006: University of Tennessee College of Law Commencement, Keynote Speaker 2005, 2008: American Legion Boys State, Keynote Speaker 2005: Garden Club of America Conservation Award 2004: Appellate Judge of the Year, American Board of Trial Advocates 2004: Judicial Excellence Award, Knoxville Bar Association