In Memoriam: Maria Minnette Massey, 1927-2016

Minnette Massey, who spent 57 years on the faculty at the University of Miami School of Law, died on November 13. She was 89 years old.

A native of Stratford, Connecticut, Massey enrolled at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania but transferred and earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami in 1948 and then, in 1951, a law degree. She also earned a master’s degree in law at New York University.

In 1958, Massey was appointed to the faculty at the University of Miami School of Law. She was first woman law professor at the university and one of the first in the nation. In 1961, professor Massey was named assistant dean and a year later was appointed acting dean.

In 1982 Professor Massey was a finalist for appointment to the Florida Supreme Court. She taught at the law school until her retirement in 2015 at the age of 88. An endowed chair has been established in her name at the law school.