Pierce will leave Mississippi Supreme Court Feb. 1

Justice Randy Pierce will leave the Mississippi Supreme Court on Feb. 1 to become director of the Mississippi Judicial College.

Pierce, who lives in Greene County, will oversee training and continuing legal education for judges and staff of the entire state court system. The Mississippi Judicial College is a division of the University of Mississippi School of Law.

"I had previously decided not to seek another term," he said. "When the announcement was made that a search was under way for a new director at the Judicial College, I thought it would be a great opportunity to use my experience and background in that capacity. I look forward to working with the law school and the university. It has been an honor and a blessing to serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court."

Pierce was elected to the Court in November 2008 and began his term on Jan. 5, 2009. The term will expire in December 2016. Gov. Phil Bryant will make an appointment to fill the vacancy.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 11:39 AM with the headline "Pierce will leave Mississippi Supreme Court Feb. 1 ."