Loma Linda University Health’s general counsel of 17 years, Kent Hansen, JD, received an honorary doctorate of laws, honoris causa, from his alma mater La Sierra University along with a standing ovation from the university’s executive leaders and trustees.
La Sierra University President Randal Wisbey, DMin, and Provost Joy Fehr, PhD, presented the honor during the school’s June 18 commencement ceremony. Read La Sierra University’s new story.
Hansen graduated from La Sierra University in 1975 with a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science.
“In many ways, I found my true self when I commenced college there,” Hansen wrote on Facebook. “Mentors encouraged me to pursue higher education law and I found my career passion in representing the interests of private faith-based colleges and universities, particularly those of my Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
Hansen next received his JD degree from Willamette University College of Law in 1979. He was a shareholder and officer of the law firm of Clayson, Mann, Yaeger & Hansen from 1982 to 2016.
He has served as general counsel for Loma Linda University Health since 2000. Hansen is also an assistant professor of dental education services in the School of Dentistry at Loma Linda University.
He received Loma Linda University’s Distinguished Service Award in 2011.