William Paul Shelley Jr. graduated from the UF College of Law in 1939. He practiced law in Tallahassee, Fla., where he is still active in both community and professional organizations.

After concluding his four years service in the U.S. Army, Shelley worked in Washington D.C. for six years as the administrative assistant to U.S. Sen. Spessard L. Holland. Shelley served as vice chairman of the Florida Bar Legislative Committee in 1967-68. A life member of the Reserve Officers Association, Elks, Kiwanis Club and Kiwanis International, his leadership has had a significant impact in his community. After reaching the 50-year membership in the Florida Bar, he became an inactive member.

Shelley has dedicated much support to UF. He served as the president of the University of Florida National Alumni Association from 1957-58 and was a 1973 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He and his wife established this endowed scholarship fund to “enhance the educational enterprise of the university