The director of the Dole Institute of Politics is leaving to lead the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.

Richard Norton Smith made his departure from Kansas University official in a statement circulated Wednesday morning (see below).

¢ Earlier story: Dole Institute may lose director¢ Sen. Bob Dole’s statement on Smith’s departure

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Smith’s hiring a press conference in Springfield.

“I take with me warm memories of the many Kansans, on campus and off, who have offered personal encouragement and provided tangible support during the last two years,” said Smith, who came to KU in December 2001.

The Lincoln museum and library is a $115 million facility under construction. Smith previously withdrew his name from consideration for the Lincoln job in the months preceding his hiring at KU, saying political jockeying in former Gov. George Ryan’s administration would harm the historical integrity of the facility.

But Smith has since said he doesn’t have the same concerns about Blagojevich’s administration.

KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway has appointed Steve McAllister, dean of the KU School of Law, to serve as interim director. Hemenway said he hopes to appoint a full-time director by the end of the academic year.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, former Sen. Bob Dole said he appreciated Smith’s leadership.

“No doubt about it, his departure leaves very big shoes to fill,” Dole said. “I look forward to being closely involved in the upcoming search process and am confident that we will find an individual who will provide the leadership necessary to keep the Dole Institute at the center of today’s political debates.”

The following is the text of Smith’s statement:

In recent days there has been considerable speculation regarding my future with the Dole Institute. Historians of all people should learn from the past, and KU’s recent past has much to teach about graceful exits. So let me be clear: I am not a dove. Nobody crushed me. And even if I had a driveway, I would never hold a press conference in one. Last week I informed Senator Dole and Chancellor Hemenway that I will be leaving the Dole Institute on Dec 1 to become Executive Director of the new Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. I take with me warm memories of the many Kansans, on campus and off, who have offered personal encouragement and provided tangible support during the last two years.

My greatest debt is owed to Erik Nelson, Linda Kay Pritchard, Jean Bischoff and Glenda Stevens. Friends as well as colleagues, these are the miracle workers who deserve the credit for whatever may have been achieved during this eventful time in the Institute’s history.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank Senator Dole for his confidence in me and his friendship over a quarter century. With his continued personal involvement, and vigorous leadership from Strong Hall, I know that the Dole Institute will fulfill its mandate of service to all Kansans.