Washington ? Former Kansas congressman and agriculture secretary Dan Glickman is Harvard-bound.

Glickman was named head of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, effective Aug. 1.

After a political life that ranged from Wichita school board member to presidential appointee, Glickman said he was ready to influence policy in different ways.

“It’s nice to be able to do what you want to with your life,” he said.

The Institute of Politics sponsors fellowships for individuals active in politics as well as debates, lectures and conferences by public officials. It emphasizes hands-on political work, which Glickman lived for more than 30 years.

It’s also known for hiring political heavyweights. Past faculty include Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Glickman also expects to spend a day a week at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, the Washington law firm he has worked for since leaving politics.

He also wouldn’t rule out returning to Kansas politics. “My family business is still in Wichita, and I’m remaining tied to Kansas,” he said.

Glickman said he’d still feel at home in Boston, even though it’s far from Kansas. “If you look at the Harvard shield, you’ll see shocks of wheat,” he joked.