Photo by: David Pahl

Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has joined the University of Denver’s Institute for Public Policy as a senior fellow.

Chancellor Robert Coombe made the announcement at a press conference last week.

Owens, who left office earlier this month after serving eight years as governor, will work with another former Colorado governor, Richard Lamm, co-director of the Institute for Public Policy and director of the undergraduate and graduate programs in public policy.

Lamm has been at DU since 1987.

Owens will guest lecture at undergraduate and graduate levels.

He will write and conduct research on state, federal and international issues.

“[Governor] Owens’ long service to the state of Colorado has allowed him to gain a depth of knowledge about important public policy issues that will further enhance a DU program that is growing in stature,” Coombe said Wednesday.

The Institute for Public Policy was founded in 2000 to enhance DU’s academic public policy programs and consists of the undergraduate and graduate programs as well as the Center for Public Policy and Contemporary Issues.

Owens, a Republican, said Lamm’s and his political affiliations will expand conversation in the classroom.

“He and I agree on many things and, on others, we agree to disagree,” Owens said of working with Lamm. “That leads to very interesting discussions, and discussion is key.”

“There is always a conflict between a Republican and Democratic governor, but that is what is so great for students,” Lamm said. “Let them hear the debate and decide. I am delighted he is joining DU.”