Harvard’s Institute of Politics Announces Spring Fellows

Cambridge, MA – Harvard’s Institute of Politics, located at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, today announced the selection of an experienced group of individuals for Resident and Visiting Fellowships this spring. Over the course of an academic semester, Resident Fellows interact with students, participate in the intellectual life of the Harvard community and lead weekly study groups on a wide variety of issue areas. Visiting Fellows join the Institute for a shorter period and maximize their time meeting with students, faculty and Harvard research center staff.

"We are looking forward to welcoming a great group of Resident and Visiting Fellows to Harvard this spring," said Harvard Institute of Politics’ Director Trey Grayson. "Our spring Fellows class features public servants with significant experience in politics, campaigns, international diplomacy, journalism and elected office that is sure to interest our students, faculty and the Harvard community."

The following Resident Fellows will join the Institute for the spring semester and lead weekly study groups on a range of topics:

• Charlie Cook, Political Analyst, Editor and Publisher, “The Cook Political Report;” Columnist, National Journal magazine

• Amb. Karen Hughes, Worldwide Vice Chair, Burson-Marsteller; Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (2005-07) and Counselor to President George W. Bush (2001-02)

• Steve Kerrigan, Presidential Inaugural Committee Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair (2013) and Chief of Staff (2009); CEO, 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee

• John Murray, former Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Eric Cantor; Founder and President of the YG Action Fund Super PAC and the YG Network, a center-right policy advocacy 501(c)4

• Gov. Bev Perdue, former Governor (2009-13) and Lieutenant Governor (2001-09) of North Carolina

• Keith Richburg, China Correspondent, Beijing, China Bureau (2009-13), Bureau Chief, New York Bureau (2007-09) and Foreign Editor (2005-07) – The Washington Post

In addition, the Institute will also host several Visiting Fellows during the spring semester: Gov. Jon Huntsman (April), former presidential candidate, Governor of Utah (2005-09) and U.S. Ambassador to China (2009-11) and Singapore (1992-93) and John King (several weeks throughout spring semester), CNN’s Chief National Correspondent. Sen. Tim Wirth, United Nations Foundation President, Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs (1993-98) and U.S. Senator (1987-93) and U.S. Representative (1975-87) from the state of Colorado, will spend time in April at Harvard as a joint Visiting Fellow with the IOP and Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Visiting Fellows traditionally meet with student groups; lead discussion groups on topical issues and their experiences in public and political service; and participate in public policy classes with students and Harvard University faculty.

The Fellows program is central to the Institute’s dual commitment to encourage student interest in public life and to increase interaction between the academic and political communities.

Harvard University’s Institute of Politics (IOP), located at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, was established in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy. The IOP’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service. The Institute strives to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the academic world and the world of politics and public affairs. More information is available online at www.iop.harvard.edu.

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