Allison named policy advisor

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has asked KU to lend M. Lee Allison, director of the Kansas Geological Survey and state geologist since 1999, to her administration on a full-time basis for the next 12 months to serve as policy adviser for science and energy to the governor and the Kansas Energy Council, which Allison chairs.

Allison will step down from his position at KU to devote full time to the new duties beginning Aug. 16 but, in recognition of the importance of the appointment and its relationship to the mission of the KGS, KU will fund his salary during the coming year.

David Shulenburger, KU provost and executive vice chancellor, said, “The university will miss Allison’s leadership, but we are very pleased that Lee has the opportunity to make this important contribution to the state.”

Allison was a key figure on the former State Energy Resources Coordination Council, which he chaired from its creation in 2002. In June, Sebelius reconstituted SERCC with a new composition, mission and name by executive order. It will serve as the principal energy policy and planning arm of state government.