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 legacy of Speaker Thomas S. Foley, the Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University continues his commitment to principled leadership and democratic engagement. As the 49th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Foley dedicated more than three decades to serving both Washington state and the nation. His vision lives on through the Institute’s work at the intersection of education, research, and public service.
The Institute also provides 40–50 internships each year, placing students in the U.S. Congress, the Washington State Legislature, political campaigns, and public agencies at every level. These hands-on experiences, combined with scholarships for students pursuing careers in public service, prepare Cougs to lead with integrity and impact.
At Washington State University, the Foley Institute carries forward Speaker Foley’s belief that public service is both an honor and a responsibility, empowering the next generation to lead with wisdom, courage, and civic purpose.
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
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.
We the People: The Constitution spells out how the government works. Is it in crisis?
In the We the People series, The Spokesman-Review examines a question from the Naturalization Test immigrants must pass to become United States citizens.
Elections at heart of Foley Institute speaker series
From radical partisanship to the role of race and gender in upcoming elections, this fall’s Foley Institute speaker series is bringing experts from across North America to weigh in on important topics leading up to Election Day.