Nancy Schafer

Background

About Nancy Schafer

Former First Lady of North Dakota, Nancy Jones Schafer, is passionate about her commitment to family, community and church, and love of music. A graduate of Concordia College, she holds a degree in music education. In her role as First Lady, Nancy was an integral part of the Schafer Administration heading up initiatives for women’s and children’s health issues, drug and tobacco prevention, mental health issues and the promotion of the arts. She became the first First Lady to have an office and staff in the Capitol. Nancy also spearheaded a major renovation of the North Dakota Governor’s Residence. As First Lady, Nancy served on the End-of-Life Project Steering Committee, the North Dakota Council on the Arts, Concordia College National Alumni Board, Concordia College Board of Regents, Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, Christmas in April Board, Prairie Lighthouse Project Advisory Council, and the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. In addition, she was a founding member of North Dakotans Partnering for Women’s Health, and was elected twice to serve on the National Governors’ Association Spouses’ Leadership Committee. Nancy has earned a certificate of director professionalism designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors. She chaired the Noridian Healthcare Solutions and the Jail Chaplains Association Boards of Directors and currently serves on the US Bank Regional Advisiory Board. In recognition for her tireless efforts and dedicated service as a servant leader across North Dakota and the nation, University of Mary (Bismarck) presented an Honorary Doctorate degree to Nancy. She has also been honored with the University of North Dakota Spirit Award for her work with students and the Art Grimstad Christian Leadership Award for her steadfast efforts in the faith community. She and former Governor Ed Schafer have five children: Tom Schafer, Ellie Schafer, Eric Jones, Kari (Jones) Hammer, foster son, Elijah Maluk and fourteen grandchildren.