Cynthia Nance Receives 2021 Hancher-Finkbine Alumni Medallion

University Relations

Cynthia Nance

Cynthia Nance, dean emeritus and the Nathan G. Gordon Professor of Law at the U of A School of Law, has received the University of Iowa Hancher-Finkbine Alumni Medallion 2021. The gold medallion, one of University of Iowa's highest honors, recognizes those who exemplify learning, leadership and loyalty. Nance received her medallion in a virtual dinner ceremony held by the University of Iowa Hancher-Finkbine Dinner Committee on April 20.

"Professor Nance's national stature as a leader in legal education, her demonstrated commitment to social justice issues and her passion for helping her students — current and former — make her an exceptional leader," said Margaret Sova McCabe, dean of the law school. "This award is a tribute to her remarkable work and personal warmth, and we are so proud of her."

University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld presented the award and said, "Throughout her career, students have lauded [Nance's] inspiration and mentorship, especially in her support of women, and women of color in particular."

Her nominator, Kevin Washburn, dean of the University of Iowa College of Law, said that Nance's scholarship and expertise have made a real impact in the world. "Cynthia Nance answers calls to serve, and she is called often."

Nance joined the U of A School of Law faculty in 1994 as an assistant professor and served as the dean from 2006 to 2011. Her teaching and scholarship focus on labor and employment law, workplace legislation, poverty law and Lawyers as Leaders, and she was the law school's first director of pro bono and community engagement.

Nance's articles appear in journals including the Iowa Law Review, Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law, Rutgers Law Review and Brandeis Law Review. She has given presentations on various legal and educational issues nationally as well as in Mexico, Brunei, Singapore and Ukraine. She served as keynote speaker for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas' inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

She is the former Eighth Circuit Member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary and represents the ABA Labor and Employment Law Section in the House of Delegates. Nance is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and an elected member of its Board of Governors. She is also an elected member of the American Law Institute and The Labor Law Group, and serves on the Arkansas Advisory Committee to the United States Civil Rights Commission.

Nance is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association Commission on Diversity and the Arkansas Bar Foundation Trust Committee. 

She has received various awards for her outstanding service, including the American Bar Association Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, Arthur A. Fletcher Award of the American Association for Affirmative Action, the American Bar Association Spirit of Excellence Award, Arkansas Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen Award and the University of Arkansas, Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award in Public Service.

"I am grateful to receive this singular honor from my alma mater. I truly appreciate the wonderful education I received from Iowa, and that because of it, I am able to pay it forward and encourage others," Nance said.

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