UNT System names Footer to counsel post

By naming Nancy S. Footer as vice chancellor and general counsel, the UNT System successfully concluded a 10-month nationwide search to find a new incumbent for its top legal counsel post.

Footer, whose appointment was confirmed by the UNT Board of Regents at its Nov. 20 meeting, will take up her duties with the UNT System on March 8.

Since 1994, Footer has served as Bowling Green State University's general counsel and assistant to the president for legal affairs.

In addition, as a result of nine years (1985-1994) as associate university counsel for the University of Houston System, she is well acquainted with Texas higher educational, legal and legislative systems and operations. She was president of the Texas Association of State University Attorneys in 1993.

"Nancy Footer is highly respected by both her legal associates and university colleagues," says UNT Chancellor Lee Jackson. "Her knowledge of higher education law is excellent and she understands the workings of public universities and university systems in Texas. UNT is fortunate to have her legal advice to guide our system."

Footer's accomplishments as Bowling Green's chief legal counsel include establishing the university's first office of general counsel; conducting training sessions on legal issues such as public records, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination and due process rights for students and employees; and chairing the Bowling Green campus emergency response team.

At the University of Houston System, she managed all university litigation and provided counsel to the four component campuses, system administrators and the system board of regents.

Footer replaces Richard Rafes, who after serving nearly 23 years as legal counsel to UNT and the UNT System will now devote all his time to his responsibilities as the university's senior vice president for administration. He has worked in both positions since July 2002.

Footer is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, where she previously served as a member of the board of directors. She earned her juris doctor degree from the University of Houston College of Law in 1983. Her bachelor of arts degree, which she earned with special honors, is from the University of Texas at Austin.

BY RODDY WOLPER rwolper@unt.edu

Other web references

• Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel

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