Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service
Learn. Serve. Lead.
Advancing democracy through education, research, and public service.
Founded in 1995 to honor the 49th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Thomas S. Foley, the Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University advances his legacy of principled leadership through education, research, and public service, preparing the next generation of Cougs to lead with integrity.
Upcoming Events
- September 1, 2026, 12pm – Lecture with Seth McKee, Oklahoma State University: “Midterm Elections in an Age of Political Volatility, 1004–2026”
- September 3, 2026, 12pm – Lecture with Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact: “Covering Congressional Races”
- September 10, 2026 – Mike Pence will receive the 2026 Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Public Service Award; Reception and Dinner
At a Glance
- Established in 1995 to honor Speaker Thomas S. Foley, 49th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Provides 40–50 internships each year in Congress, the Washington Legislature, campaigns, and public agencies
- Home to annual public events reaching 3,000–4,000 people statewide
- Supports research and scholarship on public policy and democratic institutions through fellowships, professorships, and conferences
Student Opportunities
- Internships: Real-world experience in legislative offices, campaigns, and agencies
- Scholarships: Support for undergraduates preparing for careers in public service
- Mentorship: Faculty and professional networks that connect learning to leadership
Research & Scholarship
- Endowed Professorships: Supporting faculty expertise in public policy and democratic institutions
- Fellowships & Grants: Advancing student and faculty-led research projects
- Collaborations: Sponsoring interdisciplinary research conferences and partnerships across fields
Public Engagement
- Lectures & Symposia: Bringing national leaders, policymakers, and scholars to campus and the state
- Conferences: Creating spaces for dialogue on pressing issues in democracy and governance
- Community Reach: Thousands of participants annually, connecting students and the public to civic life
- Publications: Sharing insights and impact through the Foley Report and annual magazine
We are a non-partisan public policy institute, focused on bringing world class speakers to our public events; supporting student internships in public service; and supporting scholarly research on public policy and political institutions. We invite you to join us. Please stop by the Foley Institute on the 3rd floor of Bryan Hall, WSU Pullman.
Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service in the News
Merivaki appointed Director of Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service
The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service has selected Thessalia Merivaki as the institute’s next director.
Foley Distinguished Public Service Award to be received by former Vice President Mike Pence
The 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, will receive this year’s Thomas S. Foley Award for Distinguished Public Service in a ceremony to be held in Spokane, Sept. 10, 2026.
Former ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, to speak at the Thomas S. Foley Institute
Former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul will deliver a lecture based on his recent book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America and the new Global Disorder, Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Foley Institute fall lecture series focuses on the future of democracy
Past, present, and future challenges to liberal democracy are the focus of this fall’s lecture series at the Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service.