The departure of Richard Norton Smith as director of the Dole Institute of Politics was a major loss for the institute, the university, Lawrence and the state of Kansas. And the sad part of the story is that it didn’t have to happen.

Smith is a dreamer; he had great visions for the institute and how it could help the university become a national and world leader in the discussion of important issues.

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However, he left and now is director of the Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.

There was a time when it was unknown who might take over permanent leadership of the Dole Institute and concerns relative to the leadership/political philosophy of potential directors. Kansas University School of Law Dean Steve McAllister, at the invitation, or perhaps urging, of Chancellor Robert Hemenway agreed to take the director’s job on a part-time basis. This move didn’t endear him to his fellow law school faculty members or to those who thought the institute deserved a full-time leader.

Phone calls were made to Bob Dole asking him to encourage KU officials to move faster, dream big and get to work to find a replacement for Smith. Eventually, several individuals were mentioned as possible candidates.

Before long, Bill Lacy of Kansas City was invited to take on the director’s job. He was backed by both Dole and Hemenway and was quick to accept the offer.

Lacy had a background of working in numerous areas of the political realm, including inside the White House and on the campaign and fund-raising staffs of numerous political candidates. He tells friends it was while he and his wife were attending the Reagan funeral services in Washington, D.C., that he started to give serious consideration to getting back into the political or public service field. He was highly moved by his previous experiences in the Reagan White House and by memories and associations that came to the forefront during the nation’s period of mourning following Reagan’s death.

Since taking the Dole job, Lacy has been assessing the facility, its possibilities and how best to take advantage of the many opportunities presented by the unique center.

He has moved slowly in developing his plans, and, earlier this week, the institute’s Presidential Lecture Series closed with the appearance of three exceptional political figures, Ed Rollins, Richard Wirthlin and Frank Donatelli.

These three men were among the inner circle of Reagan’s various political campaigns in California, as well as the presidency. Republicans and Democrats alike are quick to say these three are among the best political strategists ever. They shared their observations of Reagan, Mrs. Reagan, those who worked in his campaign, Reagan’s reasoning for selecting George Bush as his vice presidential running mate even though he preferred another political friend, why Bush lost his bid for re-election and long and broad explanations of Reagan’s personal beliefs and actions.

It was a fascinating, enjoyable and educational presentation, and Lacy is to be congratulated for putting together an excellent program. He also has introduced a program of rotating fellows, people with unique politically related backgrounds who will come to the institute to spend a month or two working with students and faculty to help them become more knowledgeable about the political process and to advise students or faculty members who wish to become more involved in this field.

Lacy has many ideas about how to grow and develop the institute, and Hemenway has given him added support, compared with the support provided to Smith.

Both Smith and Lacy believe the institute has an almost unlimited potential to stimulate interest and educate the public on the idea first promoted by Dole that public service is indeed a noble endeavor.

This year’s Presidential Lecture Series was a major coup for Lacy and the Dole Institute. Those who didn’t attend some of the lectures and conversations with various speakers missed a rare opportunity.

Lacy has plans for other major programs in the future and, hopefully, public interest as well as appreciation for the institute’s program will continue to grow.

It would be great if Sen. Dole could be a more frequent visitor so the institute could benefit from his vast knowledge and the respect he enjoys among the nation’s political leaders. His presence would add even greater excellence to the institute that bears his name.