Molinari to Be IOP Fellow This Fall

Susan Molinari, former New York Congressional representative and CBS anchor, will join the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the John F. Kennedy School of Government as a fellow this fall.

During her four terms in Congress, Molinari was a leading Republican and a supporter of House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga).

"We are thrilled that she is joining us in the fall and look forward not only to her day-to-day interaction at the school but also to the added dimension she will bring to the Institute of Politics," said Kennedy School Dean Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

According to Theresa Donovan, director of fellowship programs at the IOP, Molinari will teach a non-credit study group and attend classes while at Harvard.

"She will be auditing classes, meeting with students and participating in collegial activities at the University," said Theresa Donovan. Molinari's study group will focus on politics, government and the media, Donovan said.

"[The IOP] looks for individuals who will inspire undergraduates to go into public life," Donovan said.

The vice chair of the Republican Conference Committee in 1994, Molinari gave the keynote address at the 1996, Republican National Convention.

Molinari represented New York's 13th congressional district, which encompasses Staten Island. She served four terms in the House of Representatives before leaving last summer.

Soon after she left, she got a job at the morning anchor's desk at CBS, an appointment that surprised many television insiders, who questioned giving the important position to an untested journalist.

Her stormy tenure at the network was marked by clashes with management over coverage issues. Fearing Molinari might use her position partially, CBS tried to steer her away from political commentary. She left the network in June.

IOP Director Alan Simpson reserved highest praise for his GOP cohort.

"I know her well. I've worked with her, she is a superb legislator, she is bright and energetic, with an uncommon degree of common sense. We are delighted to have her as a fellow," he said.

Molinari will be a strong voice at Harvard, Nye said.

"Susan Molinari was one of the most outspoken members of Congress and we have no doubt that she will continue that tradition at the School as she encourages our students to pursue roles in the public sector," Nye said.