In just her first year at the University, Political Science Lecturer Tammy Frisby was named executive director of the Bill Lane Center for the Study of the North American West in September.

The Center, which concentrates its work on North American land west of the 100-degree meridian, focuses on both present and historical analysis of the American West.

In 2005, the Center received a $5 million donation from Bill Lane ‘42 that was matched by a $4 million donation from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and subsequently began a national search for an executive director last spring.

After receiving dozens of applications from both local and national applicants, Bill Lane Center co-directors and History Profs. Richard White and David Kennedy ‘63 chose newcomer Frisby for the newly created position.

“Dr. Frisby brings many things to the table,” Kennedy said. “She has a Ph.D. from Harvard. She’s originally from the West, she grew up in Montana, she’s energetic and disciplined, and in her one year here she’s already internalized the organization and structure of the Center.”

Frisby wants to expand the national influence of the Center during her tenure as executive director.

“My primary role at the center is strategy and financial development,” she said. “Our biggest priority in the next few years is to make Stanford’s voice heard to policymakers at all levels.”

Frisby also described many of the programs the Center hopes to implement in coming years. Among the priorities are launching research initiatives to study water; the pressing problems of rural and urban areas; and immigration, particularly from Mexico. The Center will also continue many of its internship opportunities — including summer internships in such places as Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks — and events, such as “Walking the Farm,” which debuted last spring.

“In the U.S., the West has the highest rate of immigration and the highest GDP,” Kennedy said. “Clearly the West will be important in future national development, and we want to make Stanford the premier location for the study of this area.”

Frisby said she is approaching the goals and challenges of the Center with enthusiasm.

“It’s an exciting time to be here,” she said. “The Bill Lane Center is in a strong position to move forward.”