2001 Distinguished Alumni Service Award -
Royce West

State Senator Royce West began his political career at UTA as the first African-American president of Student Congress.

He earned two sociology degrees from the University, a bachelor's in 1974 and a master's in 1979, then earned a law degree from the University of Houston.

After several years in the Dallas County district attorney's office, where he became the state's first African-American chief felony prosecutor, he was elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He serves District 23, which covers parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Following the 76th legislative session in 1999, Texas Monthly magazine named him one of the "Ten Best Legislators in Texas."

West is a senior partner with the Dallas law firm Robinson, West and Gooden.