Joseph H. “Jody” Hunt has been hired as Samford University’s next general counsel. He will begin his tenure at the university March 1.
Hunt, who has served more than 30 years in both public and private law practice in the U.S., spent his childhood in Taiwan and other Asian countries as a missionary kid (his parents are retired missionaries Bob and Rosalie Hunt of Guntersville).
He is taking the position over from Clark Watson who is retiring 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 to 2011, and served as its chair from 2007 to 2011. He and Hunt both clerked for U.S. District Judge James H. Hancock of the Northern District of Alabama early in their careers.
Watson has served with distinction, said Samford President Beck A. Taylor.
“His extensive legal career and his service to Samford’s board of trustees made him the logical choice for Samford’s first general counsel,” Taylor said. “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.
“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,” Taylor continued. “It’s a thrill to welcome him into this important role.
“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,” Taylor said.
Hunt’s career journey
Hunt, who was co-valedictorian of his class at Samford, received his bachelor of science degree in public administration from Howard College of Arts and Sciences in 1982. He 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.
He served as the interim director of student activities at Samford before deciding to attend law school and worked in private practice from 1990 to 1999.
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 U.S. 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. Before he was appointed as assistant attorney general, Hunt was the director of the Civil Division’s Federal Programs Branch, where he supervised the government’s efforts on high-profile litigation matters involving national security, constitutional challenges, agency rulemaking, government information, congressional oversight and foreign affairs.
‘I care deeply about Samford’s mission’
“I feel fortunate to have had a wonderful career in law, both in private practice and in public service,” Hunt said. “I have long thought I would enjoy being a part of higher education administration, and now I have a chance to do so in a legal role at a place like Samford that has meant so much to me. It is a privilege to return to my alma mater and to be in a position to help advance Samford’s mission.
“I have had what feels like an almost life-long relationship with Samford, which holds a special place in my heart,” said Hunt, who was named Alumnus of the Year in 2021. “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.” (With additional reporting by The Alabama Baptist)
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