Academics and Research / Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens joins DU’s Institute for Public Policy Studies

University of Denver Chancellor Robert Coombe announced Wednesday that former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has been appointed a senior fellow in DU’s Institute for Public Policy Studies, where he will teach and write.

(Watch the video announcement.)

“Governor Owens’ long service to the state of Colorado has allowed him to gain a depth of knowledge about important public policy issues that will further enhance a DU program that is growing in stature,” Coombe said. “I know that our students will benefit from Governor Owens joining the University.”

Owens left office earlier this month after serving eight years as governor, and in addition to his staff position at the University, he will work as a partner in an investment group. At DU, Owens will collaborate with another former Colorado governor, Richard Lamm, who has been involved with the University’s public policy programs since 1987.

“We’re pleased to have two former Colorado governors working together on issues affecting the citizens of Colorado and the U.S.,” Coombe said.

The Institute for Public Policy Studies, founded in 2000, provides a forum for the discussion of public policy and comprises the undergraduate and graduate programs in public policy as well as the Center for Public Policy and Contemporary Issues. Institute graduates are employed in government, non-profits, law and business.

“I’m a big believer in the battle of ideas, and in the fact that good decisions result from good discussions,” said Owens, a Republican, who said he’s looking forward to working with Lamm, a Democrat. “He and I agree on many things and, on others, we agree to disagree. That leads to very interesting discussions, and discussion is the key.”

Owens said that his real value to the University is as a person who was in public office for 24 years. Other Colorado public officials have been associated with DU’s public policy programs. Hank Brown, currently president of the University of Colorado, served as co-director from 1997–98. He left the position to become president of the University of Northern Colorado and later, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. Colorado state Sen. Peter Groff is a lecturer in the institute and also is executive director of DU’s Center for African American Policy.

“A dynamic leader will join a dynamic program at an exciting time for DU and for our institute,” said Lamm. “We are enriched by his presence.”

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