Kovash named Humphrey Institute Policy Fellow

Published Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Jeremy Kovash, a resident of Perham and director of Lakes Country Service Cooperative, was recently named a Policy Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He is one of 40 individuals selected for this year’s program.

Kovash earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College-Moorhead and his master’s degree and superintendent’s licensure from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Prior to his current position, Kovash was a teacher and administrator in Perham.

The Humphrey Institute Policy Fellows program prepares individuals to assume public affairs leadership roles. Through a nine-month educational experience that includes conferences, seminars and leadership development activities, Policy Fellows examine national and international issues confronting the United States. Fellows are selected from greater Minnesota as well as the Twin Cities, increasing interaction and understanding among those who affect communities throughout the state of Minnesota.

The Policy Fellows program is characterized by a distinguished tradition of training the best and brightest emerging leaders in Minnesota. Begun by Vice President Walter Mondale and Geri Joseph in 1990 and co-directed for a dozen years by former congressmen Tim Penny and Vin Weber, the program is now directed by nationally prominent political science Professor Lawrence Jacobs, the Walter F. and Joan Mondale Chair for Political Studies.

“We are thrilled to admit an outstanding new class of policy fellows who stand out for their accomplishments and future promise. The program for the coming year will equip the fellows with the leadership skills to advance Minnesota’s common good,” said Jacobs. “The new fellows represent the diversity of Minnesota’s thinking and changing demographics.

The program is housed in the Humphrey Institute’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. The Center strives to increase public understanding of politics and promote an informed and engaged citizenry through research and by offering a wide array of public events and programs.

The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, the University of Minnesota’s graduate school of public affairs, prepares individuals for public service and designs more effective public policies and institutions.

The Lakes Country Service Cooperative, providing regional support to schools, cities, counties, non-profits and other government agencies in west central Minnesota. Kovash and the Lakes Country Service Cooperative are responsible for educational services, cooperative purchasing, health and safety, and risk management.