Distinguished Alumna: Nancy Freudenthal

Growing up in Cody, Wyo., Nancy Freudenthal always knew she’d attend the University of Wyoming. She earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1976 and her juris doctorate in 1980 before beginning a very successful law career. 

“UW really provided me with a great foundation to go into law school,” Freudenthal says, adding that the small classes made it easy to get to know her professors. “Both my undergraduate career and law experience helped me move into the work that I’ve done throughout my career as a lawyer. “

She found UW’s law school excellent and now makes a point to recruit her law clerks from the College of Law.

“The clerks have been wonderful from day one in terms of the law school preparation,” Freudenthal says.

As a law student, her first choice for an internship was the Wyoming attorney general’s office, but it turned out to be serendipitous that she got her second choice at the state planning office.

“I can’t imagine how my life would have ever been any better,” Freudenthal says. “For everyone out there who gets turned down, that decision may take you on a path that’s remarkable.”

From 1980–89, she worked as an attorney for intergovernmental affairs under two governors, Ed Herschler and Mike Sullivan.

“I’m proud I had the opportunity to work with Gov. Herschler and Gov. Sullivan,” Freudenthal says.

She went on to become partner at Davis and Cannon LLP in Cheyenne and to chair the Wyoming Tax Commission and the State Board of Equalization. In 2010, President Obama appointed Freudenthal a U.S. District Court judge, making her the first female judge to serve the District of Wyoming.

He said of Freudenthal and two other nominees: “Throughout their careers, these nominees have displayed unwavering commitment to justice and integrity. Their records of public service are distinguished and impressive, and I am confident that they will serve the American people well from the United States District Court bench.”

Despite the rigor of her impressive career, Freudenthal always found time to give back. She served on the National Governors Association Spouses’ Leadership Committee, Carbon Sequestration Working Group, Wyoming Humanities Council, and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation. A lifelong collector of Western artwork, Freudenthal also served on the Western States Arts Federation and the UW Art Museum Board during the time her husband, Dave Freudenthal, served as governor of Wyoming (2003–11).

“I’ve always enjoyed the UW Art Museum,” she says. “I think it’s an undiscovered gem at UW. My time on the board was a time for me to educate myself about the important work they do there.”

Freudenthal stays involved with her local Zonta Club, which works to improve the lives of women and girls.

“I’m really passionate about self-sufficiency for women, girls and children. Those are the areas that are closest to my heart,” she says.

In less than two years, Freudenthal will qualify for senior status as a judge, which will allow her more flexibility.

“I plan on rolling back my docket so that I have the chance to visit my grandkids,” she says.

Freudenthal is honored to be named a UW Distinguished Alumna: “Even if I had just been nominated, it would have been a real honor. UW was a special place for me, and it’s stayed with me whether volunteering or teaching or recruiting. It’s a forever backdrop that’s present in my life.”