William Thro – University of Kentucky

Ask the average person in Kentucky who the University of Kentucky belongs to, and you’ll be sure to get various answers. Some people will say the school belongs to the students, the faculty and staff, or the government. Yet, the correct answer is that the University of Kentucky belongs to the people of Kentucky.

In his role as the university’s general counsel, William E. Thro is a vital piece of the puzzle, ensuring the institution does right for the residents of the Commonwealth.

“The University is a promise to the People of Kentucky. Everything we do must be to advance Kentucky—from its economy to its health and from its culture to its levels of educational attainment so crucial to progress,” Thro says.

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is one of the nation’s leading public research universities.  It is one of only eight institutions in the country with the full complement of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural and medical colleges and disciplines on one contiguous campus. It is home to more than 36,000 students and employs more than 26,000 people.

In addition to its Lexington campus, the university has an academic health system, with multiple hospitals it owns or operates in Lexington as well as two community hospitals in Eastern Kentucky, and an agricultural extension service in all 120 Kentucky counties.

For 2024-25, the university’s operating revenues will be more than $8 billion, a sum comparable to the revenues of firms just outside the Fortune 500.

The school is a hub of innovation, education, and service, with a mission to provide students with opportunities for personal growth and to drive impactful research that benefits society. It is a comprehensive institution known for its strong academic programs across various disciplines, from medicine and law to business and the arts. The university also holds a distinguished reputation in health care, engineering, and public policy, with a significant influence in the region and beyond.

Thro oversees all university legal issues, including academic problems, finance and administration, student affairs, athletics, research, health affairs, and medical risk management. His office provides high-quality legal services to the University and its affiliated corporations. By advising administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders promptly and proactively, the Office of Legal Counsel minimizes the legal risk and potential liabilities facing the institution. More significantly, Thro and his staff develop innovative legal solutions to achieve the University’s path-breaking strategic initiatives while maintaining compliance with the Constitution and all applicable statutes and regulations.

“I believe my expertise allows me to manage complex legal challenges while supporting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” Thro tells Vanguard during an interview in August.

Protecting IP and innovation

Under Thro’s leadership, the Office of Legal Counsel at the University of Kentucky has been instrumental in navigating several high-profile legal matters, especially in areas that directly affect the university’s strategic priorities. One such key project is the management of the legal complexities surrounding the university’s ongoing expansion and infrastructure initiatives. With an increasing number of students and a growing research portfolio, the University of Kentucky has invested significantly in building state-of-the-art facilities and modernizing existing structures. Thro and his legal team have worked tirelessly to ensure that these projects comply with all relevant legal standards, from land acquisition to contracting and environmental compliance.

Another notable project has been Thro’s involvement in legal matters related to the university’s healthcare system, one of the largest in the state. UK HealthCare serves thousands of patients annually and is a cornerstone of the university’s mission to serve the broader community. Thro’s legal acumen ensures that the health system adheres to stringent regulatory standards while providing top-tier medical care.

“Our priority is to support the University of Kentucky’s growth and innovation while ensuring everything we do aligns with the law. From expanding our campus to protecting the groundbreaking work of our researchers and ensuring UK HealthCare delivers top-quality care, our focus is always on safeguarding the university’s future and serving the broader community,” Thro says.

Investing in talent

Thro’s leadership extends beyond legal strategy to shaping the culture and effectiveness of the University of Kentucky’s Office of Legal Counsel. Recognizing the importance of building a strong and dynamic legal team, Thro is deeply invested in recruiting talented professionals with diverse experience and perspectives. His approach to recruitment focuses on identifying individuals with technical expertise committed to the university’s mission of service and education.

Thro has also strongly emphasized retention, understanding that a cohesive and well-supported team is vital to long-term success. He has fostered an inclusive and collaborative work environment where team members are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities and continuously improve their skills. By promoting a culture of open communication, Thro ensures that his team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to the university’s success. His leadership style has resulted in a highly engaged legal team capable of navigating the multifaceted challenges faced by a large public research university.

Thro’s role is central to the university’s growth and success. Thro has established himself as a key leader within the institution through his expert handling of complex legal issues and his dedication to building a strong, capable team. His contributions protect the university’s interests and enable it to continue its academic excellence, innovation, and public service mission.

Building a legacy

Thro began his academic journey with a political science degree from Hanover College, a master’s degree from the University of Melbourne and a JD from the University of Virginia. His legal career took root in Colorado, where he spent over six years as an assistant attorney general, focusing on education law. In this role, Thro handled legal matters for state institutions, regularly interacting with university presidents, provosts, and in-house counsel, a foundation that shaped his career in higher education law.

Thro’s work in Virginia followed, serving as assistant attorney general and deputy solicitor general. His responsibilities grew as he represented a small public liberal arts school, which eventually led to him becoming their in-house counsel. His deep involvement in higher education law has set him apart. He later took on roles as general counsel at Christopher Newport University and Solicitor General of Virginia. As solicitor general, he argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, a rare accomplishment for a general counsel.

In October 2012, Thro joined the University of Kentucky as general counsel, where he has continued his passion for higher education law, legal writing, and appellate work. Reflecting on his career, he envisions leaving the university’s legal department in a better place than when he began, recognizing the significant evolution of the legal landscape during his tenure. His dedication to law and education has shaped his long and impactful career.