Hansbrough's mom hired by dental school

CHAPEL HILL — Not only will North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough’s mom be in town for his potentially record-breaking performance Thursday night — she’s in town for good.

Tami Hansbrough began a new job as the Associate Director of Development at the UNC School of Dentistry on Dec. 8. She is a fundraiser specializing in major gifts and will supervise an annual fund program; the school did not mention her All-American son in the news release announcing her hiring.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people here, that I plan on making North Carolina and Chapel Hill my home -- I plan to retire here,” said Tami Hansbrough, who received her bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University and has led marketing efforts related to medical organizations and outreach in the past.

As per NCAA rules, Tami Hansbrough said she did not receive any help getting the job from the athletics department. “I would never do anything to jeopardize the program; I haven’t even talked to Coach [Roy] Williams about where I’m working,” she said.

Steve Kirschner, associate athletics director in charge of athletics media relations, said the compliance office knew that Mrs. Hansbrough was moving to the area and looking for a job, “which is not the first time that a parent of a student or a student-athlete has moved to be closer to his or her child,” Kirschner said. “But we can’t help them get jobs, regardless of whether those job opportunities are with the University or not.”

There is one benefit for Tami Hansbrough, though: she won’t have to travel as far to watch Tyler play. She previously lived and worked in Mississippi, and is looking forward to watching her middle son try to break Phil Ford’s career scoring record (2,290 points) against Evansville; he needs nine more points.

“I am so excited for him — to see his success, and how hard he's worked to accomplish so much,” she said.