The Alabama Law community mourns the passing of a beloved former dean and professor, V. Nathaniel “Nat” Hansford.
Dean Hansford received his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1968. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, where he served for three years, including one year in Korea, earning the rank of captain. When he returned to the U.S., he practiced law in his native state of Georgia at Mitchell, Mitchell, Coppedge, and Boyette before joining the faculty at Alabama Law in 1975. Dean Hansford served as vice dean from 1982-1986 and as dean from 1987-1993. Even after stepping down as dean, he continued to educate Alabama Law students until 1997. He further demonstrated his commitment to our law students by establishing the Nathaniel Hansford and Frances Fincher Hansford Endowed Scholarship with his wife. As a testament to his dedication, he received the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award from The University of Alabama National Alumni Association in 1982 and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the Law School Student Bar Association in 1987.
After leaving Alabama Law, Dean Hansford continued his career in higher education at North Georgia College and State University, where he served as president until his retirement.
In addition to his passion for education, Dean Hansford was also passionate about giving back to his community – he served on the board of directors for both Cahutta Banking Company and Synovus Financial Corporation and was the chair of the board of trustees for the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation before being named trustee emeritus. For several years, he also served on the board of Historic Oglethorpe, the local historical society for Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
The Law School is grateful to have been a part of Nat’s journey and extends its deepest, heartfelt condolences to members of his family, friends, and community as they mourn this loss.