Natalie E. Hudson (’82) Appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton to the Minnesota Supreme Court

For the past 13 years, Natalie E. Hudson ('82) has served on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, issuing more than 1,100 written opinions and "demonstrating clearly her unique aptitude for ruling on some of the most challenging legal issues facing our state today," Gov. Mark Dayton said.

Hudson will replace Justice Alan Page (’78), who recently retired after reaching the state's mandatory retirement age of 70. Page had served on the Minnesota Supreme Court for 22 years. Before beginning his legal career, Page played in four Super Bowls as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Dayton, whose appointment is not subject to legislative approval, was upbeat about Hudson's new role on the state's highest court. "Judge Hudson will be an outstanding member of the Minnesota Supreme Court," he said. "I have great confidence that she will bring a valuable perspective to the court and continue the high standards of excellence, hard work and fair-mindedness that Justice Page has embodied these last two decades."

Before serving on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Hudson worked as an assistant Minnesota Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals and Health Licensing Divisions, St. Paul City Attorney and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Hamline University Law School.

"I am excited about the opportunity," Hudson said. "It is indeed a privilege to continue to serve the people of Minnesota."

Hudson is the state's second African-American woman to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court. She is a member of the American Bar Association's Judicial Division and is a member of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Advisory Board.