The Hinckley Institute Experience Makes the Difference

Robert H. Hinckley was a man of unparalleled vision and foresight. He was a philanthropist, entrepreneur, pioneer of broadcasting industries, political advisor, and man of action. He saw “retirement” as the time in his life when he could actively pursue his dream of an institute of politics where the country’s “young, best minds” could be taught to appreciate the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship.

J.D. Williams emerged as the clear choice for Director to lead the new institute through its early days. He was a popular professor of political science with a PhD from Harvard. His zeal and love for both politics and education proved to be great catalysts for inspiring and attracting students to the institute.

The first cohort of interns are sent to Washington, D.C. to serve in the offices of Utah’s elected officials. This kicks off the beginning of the institute's Washington, D.C. Intern Program.

The Legislative Intern Program is created as the Utah Legislature welcomes the first interns from the University of Utah to serve as key support for lawmakers during the legislative session.

Bae Gardner was hired and eventually became Assistant Director and served for twentythree years providing mentorship and guidance for countless students.

The Legislative Internship Program grows with increasing success as a record 65 interns participate in the program. More than one hundred Hinckley interns are involved in local political campaigns.

R.J. Snow was selected by R.H. Hinckley to be the second Director of the Hinckley Institute when J.D. Williams resigned. A University of Utah alum with a PhD in history from Northwestern who conducted research and taught political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, R.J. Snow was also Vice President of University Relations. R.J. Snow’s integrity, genuine concern for people, and his respect for all quickly earned him the affection and respect of students in the university community.

Hinckley Institute moved to Orson Spencer Hall, then the campus's main classroom building and Hinckley Forums were officially established.

Dr. Dan Jones began teaching at the University of Utah in 1978. Throughout the next five decades, he taught classes on government, political opinion, and elections. He worked closely with the Hinckley Institute until his retirement in 2012. Dan Jones inspired and mentored thousands of students, encouraging them to participate fully in civic life. As the co-founder of Dan Jones and Associates, he was regarded as Utah’s preeminent pollster.

President Gerald R. Ford visited the Hinckley Institute and responded to student questions at a special session for Hinckley interns and the politicial science department.

R.J. Snow resigned and Ted Wilson was selected to be the third director of the Hinckley Institute. Ted Wilson was a U of U alumnus with a Master’s of Education from the University of Washington. He taught government and skiing for a year in Switzerland, high school economics in Salt lake City, worked in various capacities on boards and committees, and served three terms as Mayor of Salt Lake City.

Jayne Nelson joined the Hinckley Institute team and became Assistant Director. She coordinated and oversaw all speakers, student scholarships, and managed the administrative office, in addition to multitudes of other responsibilities. She helped keep the Hinckley Institute running for nearly 30 years before her retirement.

Professor Tim Chambless began his teaching career in political science at the University of Utah. He also served as an academic outreach coordinator for the Hinckley Institute and helped to chaperone the Hinckley Institute’s Capital Encounter class for 24 years.

Then-Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas visited the Hinckley Institute as a presidential candidate.

To celebrate the Hinckley Institute's 30th year, a gala dinner was held featuring Senator Robert Bennett

The Huntsman Seminar in Constitutional Government for Teachers begins. This is a unique opportunity for teachers to gain an in-depth understanding of local, state, and national political issues and learn how to incorporate civic education into their curriculum.

When Ted Wilson retired from the Hinckley Institute, Dr. Hrebenar and Dr. Dan Jones kept things moving forward and oversaw the institute's continued success.

A Univeristy of Utah alum and former intern, Courtney Hills McBeth joined the team and became Director of Global Internships and later Associate Director of the Hinckley Institute.

The Hinckley Institute and the department of Political Science establish a minor in Campaign Management.

The Global Intern program is launched. Hinckley interns interested in civic engagement abroad are connected to host offices around the world and given opportunities to explore and learn about other cultures while gaining professional experience.

Morgan Lyon Cotti joined the team as Local Program Manager and later became Associate Director of the Hinckley Institute. A former Hinckley intern and University of Utah alum, she earned her PhD in Political Science from George Washington University. As associate director, she helps to oversee the success of the institute, manage the legislative intern program, the U Service Corps program, and numerous other programs and responsibilities.

The Hinckley Student Ambassador program is established to help spread the word of student opportunities for civic engagement and provide student mentorship.

The first HIP Talks student speech contest is held. The contest is created in honor of former Utah Congressman Wayne Owens and in celebration of his famed oratorical skills.

Jason Perry was appointed the fifth director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics after serving as interim director, ushering in a new era of expansion and innovation. Over the past decade, he has elevated the Institute’s national profile, expanded student opportunities, and deepened its impact on civic education. In addition to his role as director, he serves as Vice President for Government Relations at the University of Utah. His extensive government experience, including serving as Chief of Staff to former Governor Gary Herbert and leading the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, combined with his passion for civic engagement, continues to inspire students and strengthen the university’s public service mission.

The Hinckley Report launches on PBSUtah. Director Jason Perry hosts a weekly roundtable discussion as an unbiased look at Utah’s political news. The Hinckley Report brings together Utah's top journalists, lawmakers, and policy experts to provide insight and analysis on current events and political news.

The University of Utah’s new building, Kem C. Gardner Commons, opened and the Hinckley Institute moved into its new home. Floor to ceiling windows surround a beautiful new forum room and the office staff enjoy spacious new offices with a welcoming lobby and lounge area.

The University of Utah hosted the unprecedented and historic 2020 Vice Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. The Hinckley Institute happily lent support and expertise to this momentous event.

Dan Jones Center for Public Service is announced. The center continues the Dan Jones legacy of public opinion polling, political insights, and community engagement.

The Hinckley Institute became the official home of Utah Women Run, a nonpartisan initiative to empower women to campaign, influence, and lead. This development led to the creation of the Martha Hughes Cannon Awards and the Mentorship Program.

The University of Utah purchased and remodeled adjoining brownstones in Washington, D.C. The Orrin G. Hatch Center now houses the Hinckley Institute’s D.C. interns. The property's carriage house serves as an event space and hosts educational programming.

The U Service Corps intern program is established to provide paid, service- -oriented internships to students. This program diversifies and expands the Hinckley Institute's Utah-based opportunities.