CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Harvard's Institute of Politics (IOP), at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, today announced the selection of the 2015 IOP Spring Resident Fellows.  The IOP was established in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy and aims to inspire, motivate and encourage undergraduates to consider careers in politics and public service. 

"The Institute's Spring Fellows represent the strong impact dedicated practitioners can have throughout politics and public service," said Harvard Institute of Politics Director Maggie Williams.  "We look forward to welcoming this accomplished group and are confident they will guide and support our students as they explore the many avenues to political engagement and public service."

Over the course of an academic semester, Resident Fellows interact with students; develop and lead weekly study groups; and are afforded many opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the Harvard community.

The 2015 Fellows roster reflects expertise in law enforcement and legal affairs, political communications, campaign and digital strategy, journalism and political leadership in state, local and federal government. More information is available at http://bit.ly/2015SpringFellows. 

The following Resident Fellows will join the Institute for the spring semester:

• Martha Coakley, Massachusetts attorney general (2007-15) and Middlesex County district attorney (1999-2007)
• Kay Hagan, U.S. Senator (2009-14; D-NC) and North Carolina State Senator (1999-2008)
• Matt Lira, deputy executive director, National Republican Senatorial Committee (2013-14); senior advisor, Office of U.S. House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA; 2011–Aug. 2012 and Nov. 2012–Mar. 2013); digital director for Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan (R-WI), Romney for President (Aug. 2012–Nov. 2012)
• Jay Newton-Small, Washington correspondent, TIME (2007-present); government reporter, Bloomberg News (2003-07)
• Christine Quinn, member (1999-2013) and speaker (2006-13), New York City Council

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 inspire students, particularly undergraduates, to enter 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

Related Links

http://www.iop.harvard.edu/