A long-time political science professor and widely recognized expert on Kentucky politics has been named executive director of government relations at Eastern Kentucky University.

Dr. Paul Blanchard, who has taught in EKU's Department of Government since 1970, will report directly to President Joanne Glasser, and will work closely with local and state leaders and with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Jim Clark, who previously oversaw state government relations for the University, will devote his full-time efforts to assisting EKU's College of Justice and Safety as liaison for federal projects.

"This maximizes our efforts to increase and enhance our relationship with state and federal government as we move forward together in a quest to become a comprehensive university of national distinction," Glasser said.

Glasser said Blanchard is "ideally suited for this position because of his extensive knowledge of Kentucky government and politics and because he has earned the trust and respect of state and local leaders of both parties and in all branches of government. Because of his academic background, he is in a unique position to tell the Eastern story. And I know he will be an effective voice and advocate for our University and for postsecondary education in Kentucky."

In 1999, Blanchard became the first director of EKU's Center for Kentucky History and Politics. The Center's programs quickly attracted statewide interest, drawing a variety of political figures past and present, authors and experts to the Richmond campus to address large crowds on a wide spectrum of political issues and historical topics.

From 1977 to 1992, Blanchard directed EKU's Taft Seminars, where elementary and secondary teachers learned how to better infuse civics education into their curriculum.

"That's how I learned that most people in politics are doing their best to serve the people, even though they get criticized all the time," said Blanchard, who also served as legislative liaison in the Office of the Attorney General in 1985-86.

His perspective on Kentucky politics is frequently sought by leading media outlets across the Commonwealth. Last month, he was interviewed by MSNBC about this fall's general election. More recently, he was approached by the New York Times for his thoughts on the Kentucky gubernatorial race.

"Much of my career has pointed in this direction," Blanchard said. "I have a great love for Eastern and I appreciate the very unique role that EKU plays. I'm convinced that Eastern
does the job it's charged with doing about as well as a university can."

Blanchard believes his 33 years as a university faculty member will enhance his role in government relations.

"I think decision-makers rarely get that academic perspective," he said, "and that my classroom experience will prove valuable to EKU and to other universities."

In 1996, Blanchard was named an EKU Foundation Professor, the highest honor the University gives to its faculty.

Blanchard has used his close contacts in government to help many Eastern students throughout his career. Since 1983, he has served as campus coordinator for the Kentucky Legislative Internship Program.

"I've always felt like my job as a political science professor was to maintain close relationships with as many people as I could throughout the political spectrum," he said. "As director of the Taft Seminars, I reached out to people on both sides of the aisle."

Blanchard earned a bachelor's degree in social science/education from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in political science from Southern Illinois University and a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Kentucky.

As host of a campus-produced weekly public affairs television program from 1981 to 1992, Blanchard interviewed dozens of prominent Kentucky political leaders. He has served as president of the Kentucky Political Science Association (1983-84) and as state coordinator for the National Bicentennial Competition on the Constitution and Bill of Rights (1987-89).

Blanchard vowed he would have a very visible presence in Frankfort.

"Our leaders need to be reminded of the value that higher education adds to the Commonwealth of Kentucky," he said. "I pledge to them that I'll always be straight with them and give them all the information I have."