KU News Release

Dole Institute of Politics announces fall 2007 fellows

LAWRENCE — The former chief of staff for a Kansas speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of a political consulting and marketing firm are the fall 2007 fellows at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas.

Jennifer Schmidt, former chief of staff for Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Rep. Kent Glasscock, R-Manhattan; and Jerry Austin, president of Gerald J. Austin and Associates Inc., will lead weekly study groups throughout the fall semester starting Sept. 5. The Dole Institute will formally introduce the fellows to students, faculty and the public at the Student Kick-Off Dinner, which takes place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the institute.

“Once again, we are fortunate to have two political professionals at the top of their game as visiting fellows,” said Jonathan Earle, interim director of the institute. “Both will likely have a profound effect on the careers and outlooks of our students.”

Schmidt’s career in politics and government service includes work as a legislative correspondent for Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, senior counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Schmidt practiced law for two years at Dyer, Ellis and Joseph after receiving her law degree from KU.

Austin has been president of Gerald J. Austin and Associates for the past 30 years. Clients of the political consulting and marketing firm include President Jimmy Carter; Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, D-Ill.; Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste; Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Ohio; the Rev. Jesse Jackson, American Electric Power and many others. Before founding Gerald J. Austin and Associates, Austin was chief of staff for Celeste when Celeste was lieutenant governor of Ohio; a caseworker for the New York City Department of Welfare; and a special education teacher.

Schmidt’s study group will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Sept. 5. Her group, titled “Women in Politics: Career Stories,” will feature a diverse array of prominent women in elected and non-elected positions. Austin’s study group will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Oct. 15.

For more information, visit the Dole Institute Web site or call (785) 864-4900. The Dole Institute of Politics is dedicated to promoting public service, civic engagement and politics. It is located on KU’s west campus next to the Lied Center.

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