Dona Hamilton Cornell became vice chancellor for legal affairs and general counsel for the University of Houston System and vice president for legal affairs and general counsel for the University of Houston in 2002.  In these roles, she is responsible for legal services in all areas including contracts and conveyances, employment law, constitutional law, real estate, intellectual property, federal research, tax, gift matters, governance, open government issues and other matters applicable to higher education law including Title IX.  She also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.  Prior to her appointment, she served as deputy chief of the General Litigation Division for the Texas Attorney General's office, was a partner in an Austin-based law firm and was also an Assistant Attorney General from 1987-1992. 

 

Cornell earned her undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to receiving her law degree, she served as a committee clerk and legislative aide in the Texas Legislature.