Micah Rasmussen has been named the new director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. Rasmussen has more than 26 years of experience in political, governmental, and public communication and has spent more than 15 years as an adjunct professor of political science. 

“Micah’s breadth of experience and extensive network inside the State House and out is poised to help expand the awareness and mission of The Rebovich Institute,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DonnaJean A. Fredeen. 

As press secretary to Governor James McGreevey, Rasmussen served as the spokesperson and primary media relations official during the governor’s historic resignation, one of New Jersey’s most memorable political crises. He has also led political campaigns for State Senate and Congress and assisted in addressing New Jersey’s notorious traffic problems as the communications director for the state Department of Transportation. 

Most recently, Rasmussen has been vice president of executive communication for the Chubb Corporation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rider in 1992, where he wrote his honors thesis on the New Jersey state legislature for the Baccalaureate Honors Program, and a Master of Arts in political science from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Rasmussen credits David Rebovich, who founded the Institute he now leads, as helping him to launch into his career. Specifically, Rebovich facilitated Rasmussen’s first political internship, working on a state Senate campaign as an undergraduate. 

“Dr. Rebovich was a mentor who played an outsized role in shaping the direction of my career,” Rasmussen said. “I couldn’t be happier to be back at Rider and have the opportunity to influence students in a positive and lasting way, just as I was at Rider, and lead the efforts to fulfill the mission of the Institute launched by Dr. Rebovich.”

Founded in 2001 by Professor David Rebovich (1949–2007), The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns, and elections in New Jersey. The Institute is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study, and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics. An integral component of the Institute’s success is the active participation of Rider students, including research projects, internships, service learning, job placement, and overall career development.

“My goal is to bring that kind of tangible, engaged learning to The Rebovich Institute, where students can learn the practical difference they can make in the civic life of their communities, counties, and states,” Rasmussen said.