Kansas University has hired a new director of state relations, the university announced Monday.

Kelly Reynolds, a 2005 KU political science graduate and Wichita native, will start in August.

Reynolds has experience lobbying for higher education in Topeka.

Kelly Reynolds

She currently is assistant director of government relations at Wichita State University. She previously was assistant to the vice president of institutional advancement at Newman University and regional e-campaign director in Ohio and Pennsylvania for presidential candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain, according to KU.

At KU, Reynolds will be state policymakers’ primary point of contact at KU and will advocate on behalf of the university.

“Kelly brings tremendous experience in higher education and state government in Kansas, as well as a background in federal affairs and campaign work,” KU vice chancellor of public affairs Tim Caboni said in a news release. “I look forward to working with her to advocate on behalf of the university and to identify opportunities for KU to partner with elected officials to create a healthier, more prosperous Kansas.”

KU’s last director of state relations, Lindsey Douglas, a former legislative liaison for the Kansas Department of Transportation, held the position for just over a year.

Douglas left the KU post this spring to take a job in the private sector, KU spokesman Joe Monaco said.

In the interim, Caboni functioned as KU’s state relations director during the remainder of the legislative session.