Purcell to Lead Harvard Institute of Politics

Former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell has been named the new director of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.

Purcell says it puts to bed any speculation that he’s planning a run for governor in 2010.

“I don’t pursue or proceed on the basis of anything being your only or last opportunity but I have committed to making this the next thing and most important thing for me in the years ahead, and this is where I’ll be.”

At the conclusion of eight years as mayor, Purcell spent last fall on a fellowship at Harvard. Since returning in January, Purcell has been organizing Tennessee State University’s College of Public Service and Urban Affairs. His TSU commitment ran through January. However, Purcell will cut out early. He begins serving as dean at Harvard’s Institute for Politics September 1st.

Purcell says he’s been interested in higher education for a long time. He says the position at Harvard will allow him to train future government employees who will replace the growing number of retiring baby-boomer bureaucrats.