A RETURN TO HIS Alma Mater

Hunt Named General Counsel

by Holly Gainer

A 1982 alumnus, Joseph H. “Jody” Hunt returned to Samford on March 1 as its new general counsel.

Hunt, who was co-valedictorian of his class, received his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Howard College of Arts and Sciences. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts from Florida State University in 1984 and his Juris Doctor from Columbia University Law School in 1989.

Most recently, Hunt was a member of Alston & Bird’s Litigation Group, having joined the law firm in 2020. Prior to that, he served as assistant attorney general for the United States Department of Justice where he led its civil division. As head of the division, which operates as the government’s law firm and is the Department of Justice’s largest litigating component, he oversaw a team of more than 1,000 lawyers representing federal agencies and administrative policies in litigation at the trial level. He also served as chief of staff to the attorney general in 2017. He worked for the U.S. Department of Justice for 21 years, serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

“I have had what feels like an almost lifelong relationship with Samford, which holds a special place in my heart. I care deeply about Samford’s mission as a Christian university, and I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to it,” Hunt said. “Samford is a vibrant academic community that has been blessed with outstanding leadership over time, and it is particularly meaningful to return to Samford at a time like this when there is such a sense of renewed energy and enthusiasm under the direction of President Taylor.”

“Beyond Jody’s remarkable career and numerous professional accomplishments that will serve Samford well, I’m most excited about his deep connection to and love for all things Samford, and his strong commitment to the university’s Christ-centered educational mission,” said President Beck A. Taylor. “As Samford embarks on its next season of growth and impact, Jody Hunt will protect and serve Samford’s interests well as he serves all who love this institution. It’s a thrill to welcome him into this important role.”

Hunt replaces Clark Watson, who retired after serving as general counsel since 2015. Watson, a graduate of Cumberland School of Law, previously served on the university’s Board of Trustees from 2003-2011 and served as its chair from 2007-2011.

“Clark Watson has served Samford with distinction as general counsel. During his years in the role, Clark has not only protected and strengthened Samford’s mission, he has also expanded the role and scope of the Office of General Counsel to serve the needs of a growing and complex institution. We will all benefit from Clark’s dedicated service for decades to come,” Taylor said. ◗