Former U.S.
Sen. Wendell H. Ford of Kentucky has accepted an appointment as a Distinguished Fellow in
the James W. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of
Kentucky.The announcement was made today by UK President Charles T. Wethington Jr.
during a meeting of the Martin School's Advisory Board. The appointment will be effective
for the 1999-2000 academic year.
Wethington said, "Sen. Ford enjoys a national reputation as one of this country's
leading statesmen. His practical understanding of major public policy issues will enhance
the education of our students in every way."
Ford will be available throughout the year for:
- Campus lectures
- Conferences on public affairs and public policy
- Graduate seminars within the Martin School
- Promotion of the Martin School's involvement in state and national public policy
initiatives
- Consultation with faculty and students on public policy matters
- Assistance in fulfilling the university's teaching, research and public service missions
in public policy studies
The Martin School, under the leadership of Director Gena Toma, recently received high
national rankings by U.S. News and World Report. Among all public universities, the
public finance and budget program of the Martin School is rated 13th, and the
public affairs graduate program is in the top 20. UK's public policy and administration
program was listed as a distinguished, nationally competitive program in the university's
1997 Task Force on Research and Graduate Education.
Mike Nietzel, dean of the Graduate School, said the presence of Ford on campus will
have significant benefits for graduate and undergraduate students alike since a number of
his appearances will be available to all students.
Ford, a native of Thruston, Ky., who now calls Owensboro home, served four full terms
in the U.S. Senate and was majority whip for a number of years. He has shaped such
legislation as the National Voter Registration Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the
National Energy Security Act of 1992, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments
of 1986, the Tobacco Reform Act of 1985, the Energy Security Act and Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act.
Ford also served as Kentucky governor, 1971-1974, and as lieutenant governor,
1967-1971.
He and his wife, Jean, have two children and five grandchildren.
