Ted Wilson is hanging ’em up.
After 18 years as the director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, Wilson will retire at the end of summer.
“I have seven grandchildren. I want to spend time with my family. I want to do some mountain climbing while I can and ride my motorcycle,” Wilson said.
In addition, Wilson will be a political consultant.
He said he would take any excuse to come back and “hang out” at the U.
Wilson graduated from the U in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He spent a year in Switzerland, where a teaching experience altered his decision from attending law school to continue with one of his passions.
“I love teaching,” he said.
He spent six years teaching at Skyline High School. In 1972, Wilson was approached by former Utah Congressman Wayne Owens and invited to assist with Owens’ campaign. From 1973 to 1974, he served as Owens’ Chief of Staff.
Then he had a talk with a former senator.
“Jake Garn told me I should run for mayor,” Wilson said.
From 1975 to 1985, Wilson served Salt Lake City as mayor. He oversaw a number of projects, including a new airport and a new sewer system.
In 1985, Wilson was invited to lunch by Robert Hinckley, founder of the institute that bears his name, and R.J. Snow, former director. They offered him the position of director of the politics institute.
“The two things I love in my life collided: teaching and politics,” he said.
While director, Wilson has increased the institute of politics’ interaction with the public.
Three to four times a month, lectures hosted by the political institute are broadcast on KUER, FM 90, and once a month they are shown on KUED-TV. The institute’s forum is the number one contact point for students and those in the political realm, such as the Utah State Legislature.
In remembering Hinckley, Wilson said, “Bob always says, ‘what’s in it for the students?’
Each year, 200 students get the opportunity to participate in political internships.
The political institute’s mission is to encourage students to participate in politics. “This is a profession that is good, decent and honorable,” Wilson said.
“Enthusiasm, cordiality, youthful energy, civility, vision and a welcoming spirit” are what Wilson brought to the institute of politics, according to Tim Chambless, intern coordinator for the institute of politics and a friend of Wilson’s. “He will be missed.”
Steven Ott, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, said that under Wilson’s direction, the institute of politics has become a focal point of political information for the U and the community.
“The institute energizes and prepares students to engage in political and civic life,” Ott said.
The institute of politics will conduct a national search for a qualified scholar to take Wilson’s role as director.
The political institute plans to “greatly expand teaching, research and public service programs in applied politics, campaign management, political polling, advocacy and public policy analysis,” according to a recent statement.