Cleveland County District Judge William C. Hetherington Jr. will soon have a new title.

Gov. Brad Henry announced Friday that he has appointed Hetherington, 62, of Norman, to the state Court of Civil Appeals.

The governor called Hetherington Thursday night with the news.

"I found out at 6:30 when Governor Henry called the house and had a nine-minute enjoyable and comfortable conversation with him," Hetherington said.

Hetherington succeeds Judge Glenn Adams, also a Norman resident, who retired last September.

"I've known Judge Hetherington for several years and I consider him a really good judge and am very pleased the governor has appointed him," Adams said.

Henry, in a press release Friday morning, lauded Hetherington's experience.

"William Hetherington has the intellect, integrity and temperament that will make him ideal for the Court of Civil Appeals," the governor said. "It is my pleasure to make this appointment to the bench."

Henry selected Hetherington among three candidates whose names were submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission.

Hetherington has been a district judge in Oklahoma's 21st Judicial District since 1992. Before that, he served as a special district judge and was in private law practice. Hetherington graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1970 and earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University in 1979.

Hetherington said when he graduated from law school 30 years ago, he had no intentions of practicing law or advancing in a law career.

"I never intended to be a judge," he said.

Hetherington said as time passed, he realized just how important a role the judicial branch plays in United States government.

"I want to first offer my sincerest thanks to Gov. Henry for the trust he has placed in me for this appointment," Hetherington said. "Being appointed to the Court of Civil Appeals comes at a time in my 20-year judicial career when I can feel comfortable that I am leaving the Cleveland County District Court in the very capable and stable hands of District Judges Lucas and Judge Walkley, Associate District Judge Bonner, the special judges and Rhonda Hall, our court clerk, and our fine staff."

Hetherington was born and reared in Norman.