Former Colorado Senate President John Andrews has been appointed as
director of The Centennial Institute, a new think tank being created by
Colorado Christian University, CCU President Bill Armstrong announced
this month. The new entity will work to enhance public understanding of
the most important issues relating to "faith, family, and freedom," he
explained. The Centennial Institute will conduct research, analyze
public policy options, and sponsor seminars, conferences, and other
activities that will involve students, faculty, staff, and outside
experts.
"We are greatly complimented to have John Andrews join CCU. He is a
nationally recognized public intellectual whose ideas are impacting the
thought-life of Colorado and the nation," President Armstrong explained.
The Institute will be funded through private contributions separately
from the University's regular operating budget.
"I am honored to be part of Colorado Christian University," Senator
Andrews said. "Like CCU, I am committed to defending the permanent thing
-- the timeless political principles of the American founding, together
with the moral and spiritual truths of our Judeo-Christian heritage."
Senator Andrews, who now writes a column for the Denver Post and hosts a
weekly radio program on KNUS (AM 710), was a state senator from 1998 to
2005, serving until term limited under the Colorado Constitution. First
as minority leader and then as senate president, he was recognized as
National Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange
Council. Andrews' tireless efforts to protect American families earned
praise from the Rocky Mountain Family Council, and the Colorado Union of
Taxpayers saluted him for exceptional efforts to prevent state tax
increases.
Among Senator Andrews' legislative achievements were the School Sunshine
Act and Colorado's Defense of Marriage Act as well as bills cutting the
Colorado capital gains tax, providing toll lanes to curb traffic
congestion, and outlining a statewide water policy. He played an
important role in legislation to establish education vouchers, tort
reform, expansion of charter schools, and requiring parental
notification when a minor seeks an abortion. Andrews was also founder of
the state's foremost conservative think tank, The Independence
Institute, where he served as president from 1985 to 1993.
Born in Michigan, Andrews grew up in Colorado and served as a U.S. Navy
submarine officer after graduating from Principia College in 1966. He
and his wife Donna have three grown children and a grandson, all living
in the Denver area.