CHICAGO – Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp has been named director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics (IOP).
Heitkamp has been involved with the IOP as a Pritzker Fellow and member of the senior advisory board. In her roles with IOP, she has mentored students and led discussions on topics ranging from the future of government institutions and the threat of hyper-polarization in American politics, to the growing gap between urban and rural communities.
“Throughout her decades-long career in government, Heidi Heitkamp has distinguished herself as a leading public servant,” said University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos. “She brings to the Institute of Politics her remarkable skill for advancing dialogue among individuals with varied perspectives and positions in institutions and communities. I am pleased to welcome her as its new director.”
IOP was established in 2013 and is a non-partisan organization. According to a release from IOP, it is ‘a center for civic engagement, civil discourse and free expression, where students can find opportunities to explore pathways to public service and engage in rich and varied discussions on the most pressing issues of our time.’
“The Institute of Politics is a special place. Each time I’ve been on campus, I’ve come away energized by UChicago students and their passion for engaging in public service and their drive to shape the world around them,” Heitkamp said. “I am excited to join this thoughtful and insightful community of bright, young minds.”
Heitkamp, who takes over the role Jan. 3, 2023, succeeds David Axelrod, who announced in February his plans to step down from the role.
“Democracy is not a self-renewing gift; it’s an ongoing commitment,” Axelrod said. “Now more than ever, its success—indeed, its survival—requires our engagement as citizens. Heidi Heitkamp has devoted her life to that mission. An accomplished leader, Heidi’s a consensus-builder, who has never shied away from the challenging conversations that progress in a large, diverse democracy demands. She has the experience, the passion and collaborative spirit to take the IOP forward.”
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