KU hires new director for Dole Institute of Politics, will replace retiring, longtime leader this fall

photo by: Courtesy: University of Kansas

Erica Terry

A longtime administrator and fundraiser for organizations such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the KU Endowment Association will be the next director of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.

Erica Terry will take over as the institute’s top executive on Oct. 4, the University of Kansas announced. Terry is replacing Bill Lacy, who is retiring from the institute this fall.

Terry most recently had been the CEO and executive director of the Susan G. Komen affiliate for Kansas and Western Missouri. The nonprofit focuses on supporting a cure for breast cancer.

Previously, Terry was a senior director for membership and corporate partnerships with Kansas City’s Nelson-Atkins and also was a development director for Saint Luke’s East Hospital in the Kansas City metro.

From 2010 to 2011, Terry worked for KU Endowment as an assistant development director and also did a stint with the KU Cancer Center.

“Erica stood out because of her diverse experience in civic leadership, philanthopy, advocacy and organizational leadership,” KU Chancellor Douglas Girod said in a message to campus. “Additionally, she believes, now more than ever, the Dole Institute can serve as a pillar for KU to foster discussions around contemporary issues and ignite passion around the importance of public service as exemplified by Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole.”

The Dole Institute of Politics is located on KU’s West Campus and hosts a series of speakers on topics of politics and culture. It is also home to several permanent displays related to the life and career of the former Kansas senator for which the center is named.

Lacy has been the director of the Dole Institute since 2004. In 2018, he announced plans to retire from the position at some point in the next three to five years. Previously, Lacy had a 20-year career as a campaign strategist. He also served as a White House political director for President Ronald Reagan and served in senior roles for Bob Dole when he ran for president in 1988 and 1996.