W&M names columnist and author Norman J. Ornstein 2017 Hunter Andrews Fellow
National political columnist and best-selling author Norman J. Ornstein has been named William & Mary’s 2017 Hunter B. Andrews Fellow in American Politics. Ornstein, who is contributing editor and columnist for National Journal and resident scholar of the American Enterprise Institute, will be on campus March 20-22 to meet with students, faculty and staff.
This year’s events will also include a conversation with Ornstein about the new administration’s first months in office led by Government Professor John McGlennon and followed by a Q&A. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Blow Hall, Room 201 and is free and open to the public.
The Andrews Fellowship was created in 1998 by friends of the former state senator and William & Mary alumnus who died in 2005. He also served on the William & Mary Board of Visitors from 2003 to 2005. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Hunter B. Andrews’ graduation from William & Mary.
“It is quite wonderful to have Norman Ornstein serve as this year’s Hunter B. Andrews Fellow,” said W&M President Taylor Reveley. “He has long shed light on the workings of our public order. His thoughts about how American politics and government are evolving these days will be fascinating and valuable for our campus community.”
Ornstein has been a long-time observer of national politics, Congress and presidential elections. He is also a contributing columnist for The Atlantic and was an election eve analyst for BBC News. Prior to his time with the BBC, Ornstein spent 20 years as an election analyst with CBS News.
He is the author of such books as The Permanent Campaign and Its Future and the New York Times bestseller, It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism. He served as co-director of the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project and participates in AEI’s Watch series. He also serves as a senior counselor to the Continuity of Government Commission.
For several decades, Ornstein has also participated in William & Mary’s DC Program speaking to students on a variety of topics.
“Norm Ornstein is an ideal choice for the Hunter Andrews Fellowship,” said John McGlennon, professor of government. “Like Senator Andrews, he is the epitome of civility and graciousness; and exactly like Hunter, he does not hesitate to take on those that he sees as a threat to decency or democracy.”
In addition to his work in politics and journalism, Ornstein also serves on the board of contributors for USA Today, is the founder and director of the Campaign Finance Reform Working Group, and has been the senior advisor for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press since 1987.
A native of Minnesota, Ornstein graduated from the University of Minnesota where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to attain his master’s and doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan.
Each year, the Andrews Fellowship program brings a notable journalist, politician or scholar to campus to talk with students, faculty and staff. Previous fellows have included Tom Foley (D-Wash.), 49th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.); journalist, author and Supreme Court scholar Linda Greenhouse; former Sen. John Warner (R-Va.); the late Gwen Ifill, co-anchor of PBS’ NewsHour and former Virginia Gov. Gerald Baliles. The 2016 fellow was Washington Post columnist and former presidential speechwriter Michael Gerson.
