"Heather is incredibly talented and driven to produce the best for the students and the Harvard community," said Catherine A. McLaughlin, the IOP's deputy director.

McLaughlin specifically lauds Campion "ability to network across party lines and bring in people all the around the world."

Speakers ranging from the Dalai Lama to Barbra Steisand to Yassir Arafat have stood at the podium before packed audiences during Campion's tenure.

"I think a great deal of the forum depends on the forum director," said IOP Chair of Communications Massy Tadjedin '99.

Both Simpson and his wife will live in Eliot House, Master Stephen A. Mitchell wrote in an e-mail yesterday.

"I am delighted beyond belief that they are returning--they were wonderful company and splendid members of the community," Mitchell wrote. "Indeed, I would hold Senator and Mrs. Simpson up as models of what Resident Scholars at their best can, and do, offer the Houses."

Simpson was approached about the IOP in late December by the IOP's senior advisory committee comprised of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy '54-'56 (D-Mass.) and other political luminaries, McLaughlin said. He immediately accepted.

The senator was already slated to lecture full time at the Kennedy School and relished the additional opportunity, McLaughlin said.

"He is incredibly excited about this," McLaughlin said, adding that the IOP's mission of inspiring students to participate in politics is very much a goal of the former senator. "He loves the mission and the connection with students."

McLaughlin said Simpson last year attended a dozen IOP suppers--a popular networking and discussion event held after the IOP's study groups.

In a press release, Kennedy, a leading Democrat, said of Simpson, an outspoken Republican: "He's an outstanding choice. He served the people of Wyoming and the nation well for 18 brilliant years in the Senate and he'll do an excellent job and the Institute of Politics."

"I just hope he remembers it's Harvard Yard, not Harvard Prairie," he added.

The IOP advisory committee is actively seaching for Campion's replacement. They have not yet centered upon any candidates, McLaughlin said.

"I've had a lot of thoughts about [my replacement] and there have been a number of very stellar people who have been interested in the job," Campion said.

McLaughlin said Sharp's and Campion's resignations coming at nearly, the same time is mere happenstance.

"It's just an unfortunate coincidence," she said.