Levin College of Law

Frank E. Maloney

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(1918-1980)

Frank E. Maloney

Cited as an “imaginative and dedicated scholar, great teacher, generous, well learned, outstanding administrator.” Noted for contributions to growth of the law (in terms of reform and scholarly productivity) and in providing means by which UFLaw first obtained physical facilities among best in U.S. at that time. Served as Dean of the University of Florida College of Law for 12 years (1958 to 1970), and persevered in fulfilling dream to replace Bryan Hall (built in 1914) with modern facilities (Holland Law Center). Taught at the College for 34 years. Both a beloved teacher and a recognized expert on water law, he was famous for taking groups of students on tubing trips down the Ichetucknee River.

Born 1918, Niagara Falls, NY. Married Lucille T. Maloney (winner of Gainesville Sun’s 1980 Community Service Award) and they had three children: Jo Ann Maloney Smallwood, Frank Maloney Jr. and Elizabeth Maloney Hurst. (Son-in-law, Sam T. Dell Research Scholar and Professor of Law Thomas Hurst is current member of UFLaw faculty.) Survived by wife and children.

College Education / Achievements

  • St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, 1938
  • J.D., high honors, University of Florida, 1942. Phi Beta Kappa, Order of the Coif, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Delta (national officer), Pi Kappa Phi
  • Graduate Fellow, Columbia University School of Law, 1951
  • Frank E. Maloney Scholarship established in his honor at UF College of Law
  • Visiting Professor of Law at New York, George Washington, Vanderbilt, Texas Tech Universities

Legal Experience

  • Represented United States (as Water Law expert) at 1977 United Nations Conference in Argentina on World’s Water Problems
  • Founded law school’s Eastern Water Law Center, now part of the Center for Governmental Responsibility
  • Co-drafted Florida Coastal Mapping Act of 1974; Florida Water Resources Act of 1972; Tennessee Water Quality Act of 1971 (revisions 1977)

Non-Legal Achievements

  • World War II, 1942-46. Enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps and discharged as colonel. Served for 7th Army Air Corps in China-Burma-India theater.
  • Faculty, University of Florida College of Law, 1946-1980
  • Dean, University of Florida College of Law, 1958-70 (First alumnus to serve as Dean)
    • Spearheaded fund raising for construction of new law school facilities, Holland Hall Law Center, 1969 (previously housed at Bryan Hall)
  • Founded Law Center Trustees and scholarships

Associations / Organizations / Honors

  • Gubernatorial Appointment, 1979: Chairman of Task Force on Rapid Growth Effects on Florida’s Lower Gulf Coast
  • Fellow, American Bar Foundation
  • American Law Institute
  • Southeastern Law Teachers Association
  • 8th Judicial Circuit Bar Association
  • Awarded University of Florida President’s Medallion
  • Florida Blue Key (Honorary)

Published: June 26th, 2014

Category: Alumni

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