Iowa State recently appointed one of its own alumni as associate director for Governmental Relations. Jon Murphy, a 1994 graduate with a degree in political science, will serve as legislative liaison to the Iowa Congressional delegation and to federal agencies. Murphy said he began the job on Jan. 3 from his office based in Washington, D.C. “He will be lobbying federal agencies and congressional delegations on behalf of Iowa State University,” said Gary Steinke, director for Governmental Relations.Only five of the 90 applicants qualified for a day-long interview, Steinke said. A committee made recommendations concerning Murphy and the other four applicants interviewed for the position, he said.”Jon has first-hand experience understanding the strengths and priorities of our state and the university, as well as solid working relationships with the entire Iowa Congressional delegation,” Steinke said. “He will be playing a critical role in raising the profile of Iowa State University in Congress and among key federal agencies.”Murphy, a Des Moines native, said he applied for the position because of his Iowa roots. “I’m an Iowan, and I have a great interest in Iowa and Iowa State in particular,” he said. “[Iowa State] is my alma mater, and I’m happy to be giving back after all the opportunities that were offered to me.”Prior to accepting his position with Iowa State, Murphy served three years as a legislative assistant in the Iowa Legislature. He also worked in the office of Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, serving as legislative assistant to Boswell for key issues such as agriculture, energy, trade and the environment. Murphy replaced Stewart Hadley, who left his position at Iowa State to accept an offer with Arizona State University in June 2000, Steinke said. Steinke said Murphy will help increase the university’s profile at the national level.”We’re pleased to have an individual with Jon’s skills and experiences representing Iowa State University, the Board of Regents, and the State of Iowa in Washington,” he said. “It’s critical that ISU’s strengths and needs are communicated effectively at the federal level.”