About the Center
The Rell Center and UHart were saddened to learn about Governor Rell's passing. Governor Rell worked closely with the Center since its inception in 2011 to promote public service, transparency in government, civic engagement, and civility in politics. She will be dearly missed. Read the full message to the community.
Gifts in memory of Governor Rell can be made to the Rell Center online (add "Rell Center" in the "other" line.).
The Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service was established at the University of Hartford in 2011 with the purpose to promote the values exemplified by the life and career of the 87th Governor of Connecticut M. Jodi Rell—specifically the values of integrity in government and public service and responsible participation in public life. The Center seeks to encourage students and others to pursue careers in public service and to assist in providing a clearinghouse for student public service internships.
The mission of the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford is to provide a community and academic forum for the discussion of:
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Ethics in government
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The importance of civil discourse in politics
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Citizen involvement in public service and government
Gifts in memory of Governor Rell can be made by using the button below (add "Rell Center" in the "other" line.); or can be mailed to Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117.
What’s Happening at the Rell Center
Governor Rell Legacy Celebration
The Center held a January 2026 event at Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s residence to celebrate the legacy of the late Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut’s 87th Governor, who served from 2004-11.
The event marked the launch of The Legacy Fund which aims to continue the mission of the Rell Center and support the education of students around public service, ethics in government, and civil discourse.
About Gov. M. Jodi Rell
M. Jodi Rell served as the 87th Governor of Connecticut from 2004–11. She was the second woman and first Republican woman to serve as governor of the state. Her administration is known for its strong advocacy on behalf of the state of Connecticut and for restoring trust in Connecticut government.
A native of Virginia, Rell relocated to Connecticut in 1967 with her late husband Lou, a commercial airline pilot. In Connecticut, she became involved in community organizations including the Parent Teachers Organization and the fire department auxiliary. This community activism led her to politics. She served as a member of the Republican Town Committee in Brookfield, Connecticut and worked on local campaigns.
In 1985, Rell was urged to run for the 107th District legislative seat being vacated by Rep. David Smith. She was elected and served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1985–1995. While in the General Assembly, she became a valued member of the leadership, rising to the position of Deputy House Minority Leader. In 1994, she was nominated by the Connecticut Republican party as its candidate for Lieutenant Governor. She served as Lieutenant Governor from 1995–2004. She became governor upon the resignation of Gov. John Rowland in 2004, and she was re-elected to a full term as governor in 2006.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell Accomplishments
- Led a successful bipartisan effort for a historic Connecticut campaign finance reform bill outlawing contributions by lobbyists and state contractors and enacting public financing for state campaigns. (2005)
- Ended the controversial practice of housing Connecticut prisoners in out-of state facilities. (2004)
- Signed a bill enacting civil unions for same-sex couples. Connecticut was the first state to adopt civil unions without a court order. (2005)
- Successfully championed enactment of the Charter Oak Health Plan providing low cost health coverage for many uninsured adults. (2007)
- Led the bipartisan effort to prevent the closure of the Groton/New London Submarine base. (2005)
- Reached agreement with legislative leaders on a number of criminal justice reforms which were responsive to the systemic failures prior to the Cheshire home invasion. A special session in late January passed laws to toughen penalties for home invasion and tighten parole procedures. (2008)
Rell Center Leadership
- The Late M. Jodi Rell, 87th Governor of Connecticut 2004-11
- Josie Brown, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Hartford
- Marshall Collins, Attorney and Lobbyist, International Governmental Strategies, LLC
- Bill Dyson, Former State Representative, Chair of Appropriations Committee, CGA
- John Frey, Former State Representative, CGA
- Liz Kurantowicz, The Drury Group
- Paddi LeShane, Chief Executive Officer and Lobbyist, Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.
- Brandon McGee, CEO of The Council
- Lisa Moody, Chief of Staff for Governor Rell; Adjunct Professor
- Michael Rell, Lobbyist, International Governmental Strategies, LLC
- Lon Seidman, Lon.TV, LLC
Director
Associate Professor of Communication Sarah Miner is the director of the Rell Center. She is also the director of the student-run marketing agency, Crested Communications.