Dole Institute seeks director

Wanted: someone with big feet.

KU is searching to fill the director's "big shoes" at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics following Richard Norton Smith's appointment, effective Dec. 1, as the executive director of the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.

Smith, 49, a nationally recognized authority on the American presidency and previous director of the Ford, Reagan, Hoover and Eisenhower presidential libraries, has been Dole Institute director since Dec. 1, 2001. He succeeded interim director Burdett Loomis, professor of political science at KU and nationally known authority on Congress.

During his tenure, Smith dramatically reshaped the plans for the 28,000-square-foot Dole Institute building on KU's West Campus, including the addition of the University's first satellite uplink. He directed development of the institute's state-of-the-art exhibits and displays, including the world's largest stained-glass American flag and a memorial to the World Trade Center towers.

Smith also oversaw this summer' four-day dedication celebration, which drew national political leaders including former President Jimmy Carter. Smith initiated two lecture series, drawing C-SPAN co-founder Brian Lamb and several nationally known presidential historians to KU, and inaugurated a Sept. 11 tradition of hosting a naturalization ceremony inside the institute.

Stephen R. McAllister, dean of the KU School of Law, will serve as interim director. McAllister, who grew up in Lucas near Dole's hometown of Russell, will continue his duties as law dean and manage the Dole facility and programs until a permanent director is named next year.

"Richard Norton Smith has done an absolutely superb job at KU's Dole Institute," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "Under his direction, it advanced from groundbreaking to dedication in less than two years and is now poised to become a significant addition to the academic life of the University and the cultural heritage of Kansas. The best way to show my appreciation for the superb work Richard has done at KU is to offer my assurances that what he began will continue and prosper under new leadership."