His legal affiliations include the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Indian Bar Association, Oklahoma City Law School Alumni Association, and the Seminole Nation Bar Association.
SEMINOLE, OK, October 11, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- William Wantland has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
A retired Anglican bishop and esteemed attorney, William Wantland became the first chief justice of the Seminole Nation Supreme Court in 2011. Dr. Wantland, who was a major player in the establishment of the new Seminole tribal court system, works to ensure that the sovereign nation has a fair and efficient judicial process. He brings to his position a strong educational foundation and a wealth of professional experience. Dr. Wantland earned a JD from Oklahoma City University in 1967 and a Doctorate of Religion from Geneva Theological College in 1976. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1983.
Dr. Wantland's working life began in 1954 with the FBI. He then spent some time in the claims and legal department of the Insurance Company of North America before working his way up to the law firm of Bishop & Wantland in Seminole, Okla. Dr. Wantland simultaneously served as a vicar at St. Mark's Church in Seminole and St. Paul's Church in Holdenville, Okla. He was also an attorney general and presiding judge in the Seminole Municipal Court system. Dr. Wantland was the rector of St. John's Church in Oklahoma City for three years before becoming a bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire in Wisconsin in 1980. He remained in this role until his retirement as a bishop in 1999. Over the years, he also held a number of teaching positions at educational institutions and leadership positions with several religious and civic organizations. After his retirement, Dr. Wantland was appointed chief magistrate of the Seminole Nation's Court of Indian Offenses before becoming chief justice in 2011.
Dr. Wantland's legal affiliations include the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Indian Bar Association, Oklahoma City Law School Alumni Association, and the Seminole Nation Bar Association. He has chaired the Judicial Committee of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes for 2014 and 2015. A skilled writer, Dr. Wantland authored "Foundations of the Faith," published in 1982, "Canon Law of the Episcopal Church," published in 1983, "The Prayer Book and the Catholic Faith," published in 1994, and "The Catholic Faith, The Episcopal Church and the Ordination of Women," published in 1997. He also co-authored "Oklahoma Probate Forums," published in 1971.
In recognition of these and other accomplishments, Dr. Wantland has received several formal honors over the years. These include the Archbishop's Award from the Anglican Church in North America in 2014, the Episcopal Synod President's Award in 1995 and 2004, the Manitou Ikwe Award from the Wisconsin Indian Alcoholism Council in 1988, and an award from the Wisconsin Equal Rights Council in 1986. He was named to the Seminole High School Hall of Fame in 2007 and the University of Oklahoma's Kappa Sigma Hall of Fame in 2010.
Furthermore, Dr. Wantland was chosen to be featured in the 44th through 70th editions of Who's Who in America, the 4th edition of Who's Who in Religion, and the 38th through 42nd editions of Who's Who in the South and Southwest. He has also appeared in several editions of Who's Who in the Midwest.
About Marquis Who's Who :
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America , Marquis Who's Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America , Who's Who in the World , Who's Who in American Law , Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare , Who's Who in Science and Engineering , and Who's Who in Asia . Marquis publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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