The Richard Richards Institute emerged from the University’s effort to honor its distinguished alumnus for his service to the University, the United States, and his home state of Utah. In his book, Climbing the Political Ladder (published by Weber State in 2006), Mr. Richards articulated his desire to encourage lives of moral meaning and practice--particularly among those who intend to spend any portion of their respective careers in public service. Accordingly, at the end of his book he proposed a number of reforms as a general call to action for those interested in changing the nature of political discourse and practice in the United States.

Weber State University has taken up Mr. Richards’ challenge to help effectuate decency and ethical conduct in politics by creating an institute in his name. The purpose of the Institute is certainly to promote decency in the political arena, with an understanding that it is impossible to separate politics from business, family life, and the other areas that make up one’s “citizenship.”  The University intends to use the Institute to provide men and women with the tools necessary to participate fully within the democratic process as ethical and engaged citizens. Our immediate target is young people, which studies continue to show are increasingly disconnected from civic life.  However, the Institute will also reach out beyond the Weber State campus into Northern Utah through ongoing public seminars and training sessions intended to help Utahns participate fully in the democratic process and to foster engaged and thoughtful citizenship.