The associate director of programming at Kansas University’s Dole Institute of Politics is stepping down to return to teaching and writing.

Jonathan Earle will leave his position effective Aug. 1, and return to KU’s history department. He has also served as the institute’s interim director from August 2007 through March 2008.

“Jonathan has been critical to the success of the Dole Institute,” said Bill Lacy, Dole Institute director, in a message to friends of the institute. “His contributions are many and I especially appreciate his willingness to step up and take on the role of interim director during my leave of absence three years ago.”

A reception for Earle is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. April 30 at the institute. It is open to the public, and will honor Earle’s six years of service to the institute.