USU Names Special Assistant for State, Federal Relations

Michael J. Kennedy, who has worked in national and Utah politics, has accepted a position at Utah State University as special assistant to the president for state and federal relations.

In his new role, Kennedy will help USU garner federal and state funding for key academic programs and research projects. USU, one of the top 100 U.S. public universities in total research dollars generated, receives $150 million a year in state and federal funding.

 

USU President Stan L. Albrecht said Kennedy will be an outstanding addition to the university’s senior administrative team.

 

“He understands universities,” Albrecht said. “He understands the federal appropriations process; he knows all of the key agencies that provide important funding support to Utah State University, and he will quickly develop the necessary contacts on the state level that will allow us to continue building on our past success with the Utah Legislature and the governor’s office. We are delighted to add someone of Michael’s experience and ability and are pleased to welcome him and his wife, Natalie, as new members of the USU family.”

 

Lee Burke, assistant to the president for government relations during the past 30 years, is retiring in November.

 

Kennedy will be responsible for many of the same duties held by Burke, particularly in connection with Utah State Legislature relations. His job duties, however, are being considerably expanded to include federal relations, particularly with members of congress and their staffs, Albrecht said.

 

“Utah State University has enjoyed a tradition of great success and continues to have many promising opportunities on the horizon, and I am delighted to be joining President Albrecht’s team and the Aggie community,” Kennedy said. “During my years in Washington, D.C., I have been fortunate to work closely with USU and have seen the university earn a reputation of excellence with government officials and lawmakers nationwide. I am very pleased to continue working with Utah’s capable federal delegation and staff and look forward to becoming better acquainted with state senators, representatives and individuals in the governor’s office.”

 

Re-defining the position allows the university to integrate federal and state relations in new and important ways by enabling Kennedy to leverage and maximize his effectiveness in both arenas, said Brent Miller, USU vice president for research.

 

“Michael will expand opportunities for USU in federal funding,” Miller said. “He is especially well qualified to help us capture federal opportunities.”

 

Miller said it is important that USU continues to cultivate strong federal ties to maximize federal funding to the university. For example, 70 percent of the $150 million in research awards this past year at USU was from federal dollars.

 

These funds help USU remain a world-class research university to the benefit of students. It also enables the university to develop research in key areas, such as the Utah Science and Technology Initiative (USTAR). Support of this initiative and other research programs eventually leads to technology commercialization and strong economic development opportunities for Utah, Miller said.

 

Kennedy graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 1999 with a bachelor of arts in government. He has most recently been director of legislative affairs with Lee & Smith, P.C., a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm, where he has worked for USU and other Utah municipalities and non-profit entities. He also served as chief operating officer with Nutribution, as an associate with The Boston Consulting Group and as a legislative intern in the office of Sen. Robert F. Bennett.

 

Miller said Kennedy was selected from a well-qualified pool of candidates in a national search that began in June.

 

“The decision was difficult, but we feel extremely pleased that Michael has been selected,” he said.

 

Contact: Sydney Peterson, 435-797-1170