University of Idaho alumnus Travis Jones said success as the special assistant to the president for governmental relations rests largely on one quality — passion.
Jones emphasized that his job experience and love for UI will help him excel if given the position. Thursday morning’s open forum in the Student Union Building Borah Theater played host to the third and final candidate for the high-ranking university position.
“I applied for this job for a few reasons,” Jones said. “One, that I am a Vandal fanatic. I was the president of my fraternity while attending this university and recently have volunteered at every UI function I can. I also think that my job history is something that I can bring to the position.”
After earning his Master’s of Science in Agricultural Economics, Jones served in various government positions including five years as executive director to the Idaho Grain Producers Association where he worked on issues on a statewide level. He also served as the senior policy maker adviser to U.S. Sen. Larry Craig. This job allowed Jones to gain experience in handling affairs concerning the environment, renewable energy, resource management and trade. Jones also took part in extensive agricultural bills passed by the Senate.
“I got really good experience on how important the federal investment is into research here at University of Idaho,” Jones said.
Jones also stressed how important it is to have the people skills to fill this position at UI.
“You have to have the people skills to get people interested and educated,” Jones said. “You have the ability to listen and this day and age so many people don’t do that, whether its non verbal signals or verbalized and that’s part of lobbying and advocacy.”