Richardson To Take Kennedy Teaching Post

Outgoing Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson will be spending one day each week as an adjunct lecturer at the Kennedy School of Government KSG) starting in February, KSG officials have announced.

Richardson's class will focus on leadership and political management in different branches of government, said Jesus Mena, director of communications and public affairs for the Kennedy School of Government.

The course will involve case studies that examine issues encountered by legislators, ambassadors to the United Nations and Cabinet officials--all positions that Richardson has held.

Undergraduates may cross-register to take the class, but its limited enrollment will likely keep many away, Mena said. Richardson will stay at KSG for a year.

"Richardson's teaching appointment provides students a unique opportunity to get to know somebody who has reached the top of government service and has accomplished a great deal in both the legislative and executive branches over two decades," said Stu Nagurka, Richardson's spokesperson since 1988.

Richardson was invited after selection by the KGS' Faculty Appointments Committee on Tenure (FACT). FACT makes its invitation after possible candidates are winnowed through a series of approvals, Mena said.

"Bill Richardson has incomparable experience as a Congressman, a U.N. ambassador and a cabinet secretary. Our students have much to learn from him," said Joseph S. Nye, Jr, dean of the KSG, when he announced the appointment on Wednesday.

Richardson's public service career began with his election to the U.S. Congress in 1982 from one of New Mexico's largest and most ethnically diverse districts. Richardson served eight terms until his resignation in 1997 to serve as United Nations Ambassador. In 1998, President Bill Clinton appointed him Secretary of Energy.

As a representative, Richardson was a strong proponent of free trade in North America, Native American sovereignty and environmental concerns. He also distinguished himself as the three-time Most Valuable Player in the annual Congressional baseball game pitting Democrats against Republicans.

Richardson has served as special envoy to President Clinton on sensitive diplomatic missions. He has rescued Americans held hostage in Iraq, Cuba, Sudan and North Korea. He helped negotiate the restoration of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti.

In the course of his service, Richardson has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times and has been given the Aztec Eagle Award from the Mexican government, the highest honor Mexico bestows on a foreigner.

"He's not only an accomplished politician, but is also someone who understands and has succeeded in affecting and improving public policy," Nagurka said. "He's always been a doer. I have no doubt that it will be not only an enjoyable experience from a student's perspective, but also most educational."

Richardson said he is looking forward to his Harvard stay.

"There have been some extraordinary people associated with the Kennedy School over the years, and I am honored to be part of a cadre of former government officials who share our unique experiences with tomorrow's leaders," said Richardson in a KGS press release Wednesday.

Returning to private citizenship, Richardson plans to open a conflict resolution center and to teach in his home state of New Mexico as well. He is considering writing a book about his experiences in international hostage rescue as a member of Congress. Richardson also intends to give speeches around the country and to sit on a number of boards.