Senator John Andrews to Lead CCU's Centennial Institute
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.