Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, who was chief of staff to former Gov. Charlie Crist and had attempted a return to the federal office this past summer, will now bring his political knowledge to Palm Beach Atlantic University.
LeMieux and the interdenominational Christian university in West Palm Beach announced Friday the creation of the LeMieux Center for Public Policy.
The center, which will open in the fall of 2013, will include an annual independent study program for two PBA upperclassmen who will work as center Fellows with LeMieux to present a year-end paper on a select topic.
LeMieux recently told Sunshine State News he has no plans to run for elected office in the near future, but intended to remain engaged in statewide and national debates over public policy, especially on the issue of Medicare fraud.
"Establishing The LeMieux Center as a center of excellence at Palm Beach Atlantic is an important moment in the university's history," stated William M.B. Fleming Jr., the president of Palm Beach Atlantic University, in a release.
"As an urban, Christian university, we accept the responsibility to actively engage as citizens on the local, state and national level. Learning more about government, how legislation is crafted and how it affects society is the first step in developing the next generation of servant leaders. Senator LeMieux is a tremendous resource, not only for his own skills and abilities, but for his many friends immersed in public service."
The center will also host lecture series and provide students the opportunity to work with state and national officials, journalists, authors, academics and other notable thought leaders on issues important to Florida, the United States and the world, according to a release from the university.
"Palm Beach Atlantic University is an outstanding and special institution. I am honored PBA has created this center to focus students on engaging early in public policy and leadership," LeMieux stated.
"There are a series of substantial and ongoing issues facing Florida and America, and a need for thoughtful consideration in how to address these challenges. For me, public service has always been about finding solutions, and I look forward to working with PBA students to find the solutions as they prepare to become the future leaders of our state and our nation."
Currently chairman of the Gunster law firm, this is not LeMieux's first link with the campus.
In 2010, he donated his senatorial papers and other memorabilia from his 16 months in the U.S. Senate to the school's Warren Library archives.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
