Athens, Ga. – Former U.S. Sen. Wyche Fowler Jr. will join the University of Georgia School of Law as the Carl E. Sanders Political Leadership Scholar in the spring of 2008, teaching a course on the U.S. Congress and the Constitution.
“We are delighted and honored to have Senator Fowler joining us next semester,” School of Law Dean Rebecca H. White said. “I know our students will benefit tremendously and learn a great deal from his knowledge, experience and insight, and we appreciate him taking the time to share his expertise by teaching a course in our law school.”
Named for Georgia’s 74th Governor and Georgia Law alumnus, Carl E. Sanders, the Sanders Chair in Political Leadership was created to give law students the opportunity to learn from individuals who have distinguished themselves in politics or other forms of public service, according to White. “Bringing to our law school outstanding leaders such as Senator Fowler allows our students to better understand the interplay of law, politics and policy, and may inspire law students to consider a career in public service.”
Currently, Fowler is engaged in an international business and law practice and serves as chair of the board of the Middle East Institute, a nonprofit research foundation in Washington, D.C.
He began his public service career as an Atlanta City Council member, while still in law school at Emory University, and was ultimately chosen to serve as city council president. In 1977, Fowler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Nine years later, he was elected to the U.S. Senate where he was assistant floor leader. He was later appointed U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
After his service as ambassador, Fowler was presented with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s highest civilian honor, the Jefferson Cup, for his assistance in combating terrorism and for helping to solve terrorism crimes against the U.S. military in Saudi Arabia. Other notable honors bestowed upon Fowler include being named Solar Man of the Year (twice) for his work on alternative energy development and conservation, Most Effective Legislator by the Southern Governors’ Association for work on transportation and agricultural conservation, Georgia Transportation Man of the Year and Georgia Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year. Additionally, he has received the Central Intelligence Agency “Seal” medallion for dedicated service to the intelligence community.
Previous Sanders Political Leadership Scholars who have taught a course at the law school include: prominent media personality and political consultant Paul E. Begala, former Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, former U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Theodore “Ted” W. Kassinger, former U.S. Sen. J. Maxwell “Max” Cleland and former Georgia Supreme Court Justice George T. Smith. Also, former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Griffin B. Bell has lectured at the law school as a Sanders Scholar.