January 13, 2005     

NYU Names Political Strategist Shrum Senior Fellow

Robert M. Shrum, the renowned political strategist, has joined New York University as a senior fellow, and will be affiliated with the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Shrum, who most recently served as senior advisor to the 2004 Kerry-Edwards campaign, will begin his new position on February 1, and begin teaching in the 2005-06 academic year. His initial classes are expected to include a class at NYU Wagner, as well as an undergraduate freshman seminar. Shrum will also pursue writing and research projects.

"Bob's vast experience on the political stage made him a perfect fit for NYU, and for Wagner," said NYU Wagner Dean Ellen Schall. "Our faculty examine issues both here and abroad that were a hallmark of Bob's campaigns, including social disparity and access, urban and health policy, and of course, leadership. Bob will bring our students a unique perspective to these critical issues."

Dating back to 1972, when he was the principal speechwriter for presidential candidate Senator George McGovern, Shrum has been a force in local, state, national, and international political campaigns. Since 1985, he has developed media campaigns for 26 winning U.S Senate campaigns, eight winning gubernatorial campaigns, and mayoral races in a host of cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. Shrum received his bachelors degree from Georgetown University, and earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. He has been a fellow of the Kennedy Institute of Politics at Harvard University and has taught at Yale University and Boston College.

"I have spent my entire life advising political leaders who dedicated themselves to the public good, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to teach the next generation of public service leaders and to reflect and write about what I've learned," said Shrum. "It's an exciting time for NYU and Wagner as they seek to redefine public service locally, nationally, and globally, and I am looking forward to playing my part."