Harvard's Institute of Politics Announces Spring Fellows

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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. More information is available at http://bit.ly/1bioR57.

"We are looking forward to hosting our spring 2014 Resident and Visiting Fellows at Harvard," said Harvard Institute of Politics' Director Trey Grayson. "Their backgrounds span from journalism to jobs to the judiciary, from domestic policy and public safety to international relations and diplomacy – and demonstrate experience in electoral politics, both here and abroad. We are sure our spring Fellows will create strong interest among students, faculty and the entire University community."

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

• Shira T. Center, politics editor, Roll Call
• Ed Davis, commissioner, Boston Police Department (2006-13)
• Farah Pandith, special representative to Muslim Communities, U.S. Department of State (2009-present); director for Middle East Regional Initiatives, National Security Council (2004-07)
• Bob White, chairman, Mitt Romney's presidential campaign committee (2008, 2012); founding partner of Bain Capital
• Hon. Mark Wolf, senior judge, United States District Court for Massachusetts (2012-present); chief judge, United States District Court for Massachusetts (2006-12)

In addition, the Institute will host several Visiting Fellows during the spring semester: Mike Huckabee, FOX News Channel host and former governor of Arkansas (1996-2007); Liz Montoya, former U.S. Office of Personnel Management chief of staff, external affairs director and senior advisor to the director (2009-14); and Avshalom Vilan, Israeli Farmer Federation president (2009-present), former Israeli Knesset member (1999-2009) and founding member of "Peace Now." 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/.   

SOURCE Harvard's Institute of Politics