Policymaker in Residence

We invite distinguished policymakers to campus to meet with students and deliver a public presentation.

Previous policymakers in residence

Paul Ryan

Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan shared career advice with students during his September 2023 visit to campus. At a public event, Ryan also discussed bridging political divides and the 2024 election with our director, Susan Yackee.

Paul Ryan meets with students during his September 2024 visit to UW–Madison

Jon Leibowitz

Former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Jon Leibowitz, shared career advice with students during his October 2021 visit. Leibowitz gave a public presentation on surveillance capitalism in the digital age, hosted by the Cap Times.

Jon Leibowitz talks to students in a classroom.

The Kohl Initiative

Herb Kohl attends the La Follette School's graduation ceremony in the state capitol

The Policymaker in Residence program is made possible by the Kohl Initiative.

Funded by former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, the Kohl Initiative has transformed our ability to expand public outreach, train future public leaders, and support influential research.

Learn about the Kohl Initiative