93-12-23 Virginia Institute of Political Leadership Selects First Class of Fellows

VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP 
SELECTS FIRST CLASS OF FELLOWS

     CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Dec. 23 -- Twenty prospective political candidates
from
throughout the state have been chosen to participate in the first courses
offered by the Virginia
Institute of Political Leadership.
     The institute's initial fellows, selected by a bipartisan steering
committee through a
competitive application process, will begin their first classes next month.
     The fellows are from every region of Virginia and were chosen for their
demonstrated
leadership potential, said William H. Wood, director of the nonpartisan
educational program based
at the University of Virginia's Center for Public Service.
     "We believe it is a truly outstanding group that reflects great credit
on Virginia's citizens,"
Wood said.  "The class is not only representative of the Commonwealth's
political, cultural and
demographic diversity, it speaks of the high caliber of the many individuals
interested in public
service.  Our only regret is that we couldn't accept all the highly qualified
applicants for the first
session."
     The fellows include educators, businesspersons, current and former local
government
officials, administrators in the public and private sectors, a graduate
student, a journalist and a
physician, among others.  All have been deeply involved in public service in
their localities.  (A
complete list of fellows is attached.)
     The privately funded institute is aimed at improving the quality of
government at all levels
in the Commonwealth by conducting programs for all citizens who have
potential to become leaders
in state and local government.
      Modeled on a similar successful program in North Carolina, the Virginia
institute will enroll
classes each year in spring and fall sessions.  Each session will have nine
weekend programs held
at locations throughout the state.
     Courses will focus on significant policy issues, preparing for practical
aspects of office-
holding, campaigning essentials, and personal skills.  The program will also
emphasize
communication skills, ethical aspects of governing, and solving problems
through cooperation rather
than confrontation.
     The institute's faculty and speakers will include experts in various
fields from Virginia
colleges and universities, as well as public servants from throughout the
state, campaign advisers,
journalists, business leaders and others.
     The institute's board includes civic and business and government leaders
from throughout
the state.
                               ###
                                                December 22, 1993
     For additional information William Wood may be reached at (804)
982-5698. (He will be
available there during most weekdays throughout the holiday period.)

      
      
      
 
Karen Castle, Office Services Specialist, University News Office
P.O. Box 9018, Booker House, Charlottesville, VA  22906
(804) 924-7116, kac@virginia.edu

[Submitted by: Karen A. Castle  (kac@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu)
               Mon, 3 Jan 94 12:55:07 EST]