Kent Ronald Hance

A Representative from Texas; born in Dimmitt, Castro County, Tex., November 14, 1942; attended the public schools of Dimmitt; B.B.A., Texas Tech University, 1965; LL.B., University of Texas School of Law, 1968; admitted to the Texas bar in 1968; lawyer, private practice; professor, Texas Tech University, 1968-1973; member of the Texas state senate, 1974-1978; elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-sixth and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1979-January 3, 1985); was not a candidate for reelection to the Ninety-ninth Congress in 1984, but was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States Senate; changed party affiliation to Republican in 1985; was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of Texas in 1986 and 1990; railroad commissioner of Texas, 1987-1990; is a resident of Austin, Tex. Mr. Hance received his B.B.A. from Texas Tech University in 1965 and his law degree from the University of Texas in 1968. Mr. Hance is presently on a leave of absence from the law firm. Beginning 2007, Mr. Hance has the honor of serving as the Chancellor of Texas Tech University. Mr. Hance maintains his equity interest in the law firm and will return upon completion of his distinguished service at Texas Tech University. Mr. Hance provides over 25 years experience in the public and private sector as an attorney, businessman, U.S. Congressman, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, and Texas State Senator. Through the firm's Austin and Washington, D.C. offices, Mr. Hance provides clients with unique expertise in a broad range of state and federal administrative, regulatory, and legislative areas. In addition to his administrative law practice, Mr. Hance provides an extensive background in oil and gas and energy-related law. Following six years as a U. S. Congressman, Mr. Hance served on the Texas Railroad Commission (Chairman 1989-1990) which regulates the oil and gas, and transportation industries in Texas.