(Lakewood, Feb. 3) Former Colorado Senate President John Andrews has been appointed Director of The Centennial Institute, a new think tank being created by Colorado Christian University, CCU President Bill Armstrong announced today. The new entity will work to enhance public understanding of the most important issues relating to “faith, family and freedom,” he explained. The institute will be funded from private contributions, separately from the university’s regular operating budget. The Centennial Institute will conduct research, analyze public policy options, sponsor seminars and conferences and other activities involving students, faculty, staff and outside experts. “We are greatly complimented to have John Andrews joining CCU. He is a nationally recognized public intellectual whose ideas are impacting the thought-life of Colorado and the Nation,” President Armstrong explained.
“I am honored to be part of Colorado Christian University,” Senator Andrews said. “Like CCU, I am committed to defending the permanent things – 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 (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 earned national recognition from the American Legislative Exchange Council which recognized him as National Legislator of the Year. His tireless efforts to protect American families earned praise from the Rocky Mountain Family Council while the Colorado Union of Taxpayers saluted him for exceptional efforts to prevent state tax increases.
Among his legislative achievements were bills cutting the Colorado capital gains tax, providing toll lanes to curb traffic congestion, outlining a statewide water policy and the School Sunshine Act and Colorado’s Defense of Marriage Act. He also played an important role in legislation to establish education vouchers, tort reform, expanding charter schools and requiring parental notification when a minor seeks an abortion.
Senator Andrews was the founder of the State’s foremost conservative think tank, The Independence Institute and was its president from 1985 – 1993.
John was born in Michigan and grew up in the Colorado Mountains. He served as a U.S. Navy submarine officer after graduating from Principia College in 1966. John and his wife Donna have three grown children and a grandson, all living in the Denver area. Senator and Mrs. Andrews are members of Greenwood Community Church.