The VPERC is a newly created position that will merge the responsibilities of the previous vice president of communications and marketing and vice president of government relations. In this role, Lewis will lead all university efforts in strategic communications, government relations and external relations with state and federal sponsors, partners and regulators. This includes oversight of communications and marketing across all campuses, including the university’s centralized efforts in branding, advertising, internal and executive communications, crisis communications and issues management. He will collaborate with other senior university leaders to cultivate and strengthen relationships with state and federal government legislators, agencies, trustees and other internal and external audiences; and establish the overall strategy for advocacy programs to shape the university’s image and advance strategic plan goals.

“With his deep expertise in community and social services, Riggs is a powerful advocate poised to make a significant impact for the University of Louisville,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “His work will be instrumental in advancing UofL’s priorities across its campuses, academic medical centers and regional laboratories.”

Lewis has more than 30 years of experience in public affairs, state and federal government relations and business litigation. He established and served as the inaugural board chair of the Louisville Medical and ����ֱ�� District and is an esteemed UofL alumnus with a Doctor of Law degree from the .

“I am deeply grateful to return to my alma mater and join President Schatzel’s leadership team,” said Lewis. “It is a distinct honor to represent this prestigious, cornerstone institution of our commonwealth. I look forward to helping advance its mission to educate and serve the community through teaching, research and engaged service.”

Shannon Tivitt will join the university Feb. 1 as vice president of government relations. In this role, she will lead all university efforts to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships with all levels of government (federal, state, and local), collaborate with industry, community and governmental partners on joint initiatives, and provide ongoing monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation and emerging issues that could potentially impact the university.

“I’m incredibly honored to return to my alma mater and be part of President Schatzel’s leadership team,” Tivitt said. “UofL is a vital component in so many ways to our city and state and I look forward to representing the university in our community.””

Currently serving as executive director of The One Water Partnership for Louisville Water/MSD, Tivitt has more than two decades of experience in government affairs, including serving as deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Steve Beshear and as chief of staff to Lieutenant Gov. Jerry Abramson. She also served as chief of staff and deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Community Development in Abramson’s Louisville mayoral administration.

“Shannon has the expertise, the skills, the contacts and the reputation to excel in representing the University of Louisville with leaders at all levels of government,“ said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “As the university works closely with government leaders on a variety of issues and projects, it was important to find someone who could hit the ground running. We clearly have that person in Shannon. I look forward to working with her during the current legislative session and into the future.”

Tivitt holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from UofL.

That was in 1998.

Since then, the internship program has grown to a record-high number of UofL students participating – 51 during the spring 2019 semester. Its growth can be attributed to a few factors, including amplified support from the current administration at UofL.

“UofL actually promotes and gets behind the program and provides us the resources to do it, including connecting us with government relations,” said Jason Gainous, professor of Political Science who has led the FLIP since 2006.

The program exists at other institutions in the state. The difference at UofL, however, is that it includes an actual cohort of people.

“Other internships from other universities stem from students making a connection. We have a structure and an organization, as well as an academic component,” Gainous said. “Our program organizes speakers and has an on-site coordinator (in Frankfort).”

Through this cohort, our students are provided an abundance of opportunities to work – and learn – in a hands-on legislative environment, assisting in functions at varying levels in legislators’ offices. They’re also aided and mentored by Shannon Rickett, UofL’s assistant vice president for government relations (and a UofL alum).

Another point of differentiation for UofL’s program is that it now offers a stipend to participants. This, according to Jasmine Farrier, department chair and Political Science professor, allows for even more opportunities for students.

“It’s not a barrier; the travel, the time, getting lunch in Frankfort,” Farrier said. “We want all students to have this opportunity. Our motto in Political Science is that students build their resumes as they earn their degrees.”

The internship takes place during Kentucky’s legislative session, which is typically January through March. As part of the experience, some students have helped draft legislation, while others have participated in bill research. All of them have had the ability to forge relationships with constituents.

This experience has proven its effectiveness, as numerous former interns are now respected members of the state’s legislative system, including Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens, Senator Gerald Neal and Representative McKenzie Cantrell.

For Tialisha Lumpkin, a 2018 spring participant, the opportunity to intern in Frankfort at the State Capitol led to post-graduate opportunities. Lumpkin currently is an advocacy community organizer for the Catholic Charities of Louisville.

“As an intern, I was able to pull back the curtain on Kentucky politics and, in doing so, I gained immeasurable experience and insight on how Kentucky operates. It was hard work and also fun, from scouting support for legislation to enjoying free legislative lunches,” Lumpkin said.