From the Director

I still remember the first time I walked into the Hinckley Institute of Politics in the Fall of 1988. I loved politics and public policy and had heard that there was this amazing center on campus that had great political internship possibilities and cutting edge political forums. It felt like a second home the moment I entered the door and the Hinckley Institute quickly became the best and most important part of my college career. My experiences and contacts gained through the Hinckley Institute paved the way for my subsequent career. I never lost touch with the Hinckley Institute once I graduated from the University of Utah in spite of spending most of the next 13 years on the east coast.

The Hinckley Institute thrived under the continuing leadership of the Hinckley family and Ted Wilson until we learned that Ted was going to step down in August of 2003. In preparation for Ted's departure, Dave Pershing organized the Hinckley Institute Review Team "to create alternative visions for the U's future in the areas of politics and public policy, nationally and internationally; and identify multi-year strategies for implementing the visions." I was honored to serve on the Review Team, and, under Dean Stephen Ott's leadership, the Review Team succeeded in pinpointing the Hinckley Institute's strengths and opportunities.

Ron Hrebenar, Dan Jones, and I were chosen to lead the Hinckley Institute as interim directors and to begin implementing these possibilities. Ron and Dan truly sacrificed in order to make the Hinckley Institute their top priority and, with the strong assistance from the Hinckley staff and others, the Hinckley Institute continued to prosper. We are indebted to Ron and Dan for all of their hard work.

The future of the Hinckley Institute has never been brighter. It is opening the newly renovated Hinckley Caucus Room. It is becoming a more central institute for the entire university and, indeed, the community as it reaches out to disciplines, groups, and individuals that have thus far been underrepresented and underutilized in the Hinckley Institute's programs. It is an energizing force in establishing and building the Institute of Public & International Affairs ("IPIA"), which will energize and expand the University's research, teaching, and service capacities in applied politics, public policy, international socio-political-economics, cross-border security, government, and governance. It is facilitating greater student political engagement through more and better internships, classes, and forums. It is administering, for the first time, a campaign management minor and Political Forums Series class. And, in President Michael Young, the University has a leader who has participated at the highest levels of government and public policy and truly appreciates and supports the Hinckley Institute's mission.

In short, it is a great time to become director and a perfect moment to celebrate the Hinckley Institute's 40 years of excellence and over 4,000 former interns. This celebration is a testament to the Hinckley family's vision and unwavering commitment, the inspired leadership of former directors J.D. Williams, R.J. Snow, and Ted Wilson, and the devoted service and support of Hinckley Institute staff, students, and friends.

I love the Hinckley Institute and have a deep passion for and commitment to its continued success. The mission established 40 years ago by Robert H. Hinckley to "teach students respect for practical politics and the principle of citizen involvement in government" still inspires and energizes me today. Please take the time to come by the Hinckley Institute or simply tour the pages of this website to find opportunities where you can join us in this quest.

Sincerely,

Kirk L. Jowers
Director, Hinckley Institue of Politics