Jeremy Orr | College of Social Science, 2009; College of Social Science, 2012; College of Law, 2016
Jeremy Orr is a Detroit native, three-time Michigan State University graduate and nationally recognized environmental justice advocate. As the Director of Outreach and Partnerships at Earthjustice and an adjunct professor of law at MSU College of Law, Jeremy is a passionate leader working at the intersection of civil rights, environmental protection and legal education.
As a recipient of the Young Alumni Award, Jeremy exemplifies the spirit of this honor through his remarkable professional accomplishments achieved early in his career. Driven by his faith and commitment to justice, his work spans the globe — from litigating major environmental cases to equipping legal professionals and students with tools to advance equity and sustainability. “We have amazing, educated, informed and compassionate Spartans across the board,” he says. “It’s important to support this work to invest in the future of our students and their impact on the world.”
Jeremy’s journey of advocacy began at MSU, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Social Science, followed by a Juris Doctor and Master of Jurisprudence from the College of Law. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Jeremy served as an MSU representative for the Big Ten Conference Student Athlete Advisory Council and was the first ever student-athlete to serve as peer advisor for MSU’s Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention Program. During his time on campus while completing his law degree, Jeremy served as class president and led multiple student organizations — including the Black Law Student Association and Environmental Law Student Organization. As a two-sport athlete in track and football, Jeremy never expected professional recognition outside athletics, saying, “If you told me then I'd be receiving an award, I would have assumed it was something related to that. To receive an award due to my professional accomplishments in an area that I am passionate about means the world.”
His legal work has included advocacy in the Flint Water Crisis and service on three national environmental justice advisory boards. He was selected for the Obama Foundation Leadership Program and is widely regarded as a values-centered leader committed to empowering others. Colleagues and students alike note his humility, passion and relentless dedication to using the law as a tool for systemic change.
Jeremy attributes his vision and purpose to formative moments at MSU, where he first realized the power of education in the fight for justice. “Spartans all over the globe are making a difference and not giving up,” he says. “For me, Spartans Will showcases all of the things Spartans are able to accomplish because of their education and time on campus.”
Through his advocacy, mentorship, and global impact, Jeremy continues to represent the very best of what it means to be a Spartan.