Cecil D. Andrus and the Andrus Center

Cecil D. Andrus

Former four-term Idaho Governor and U. S. Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus built his long and very successful public career around solving problems. He entered politics in 1960 when he was concerned over the local Republican state senator’s stance against needed education improvements in Idaho schools, particularly in rural areas of the state. Andrus filed as a Democrat to run against him and won.

As Governor of Idaho, Andrus played a key role in winning support by the U.S. Congress for Federal designation of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the State, opposed proposals for the development of molybdenum mining in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, and vigorously opposed federal efforts to store nuclear waste in Idaho.

Andrus served as Secretary of the Interior under President Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981).  During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Andrus worked on the Redwoods National Park Expansion Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

He has won every major environmental award, including the William Penn Mott Park Leadership Award from the National Parks Conservation Association, Conservationist of the Year from the National Wildlife Federation, the Ansel Adams Award from the Wilderness Society, the Audubon Medal, and the Torch of Liberty award from B’nai Brith.

The Andrus Center for Public Policy

Founded by him in 1995, the Andrus Center for Public Policy is dedicated to perpetuating his common sense, problem-solving approach.

In the twenty+ years since its founding, the Andrus Center has convened conferences, produced research and analysis and served as “common ground” for civil, serious discussion about public policy and some of the major issues of our times. The Andrus Center for Public Policy is dedicated to independent, non-partisan policy formation on critical issues confronting Idaho, the American West, and the United States.

The Andrus Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit entity within Boise State’s School of Public Service.  All gifts to the Center are managed by Boise State University Foundation,  a tax-exempt Idaho organization under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (#82-6010706), and are eligible for federal and state charitable income tax deductions. The Center is overseen by a Board of Governors with Jenna Whitlock as Chair in the wake of the passing of Tracy Andrus.