Congratulations to James Glassman. Earlier this week, former president George W. Bush asked the former publisher, TV host, columnist, and diplomat to head the new think tank affiliated with Bush’s presidential library at Southern Methodist University. Glassman accepted. The Dallas Morning News reports more details, including the lingering controversy on campus:

When SMU first landed the Bush library, critics warned that the proposed policy institute – unlike the library – would tie the campus too closely to the former president’s political views. After learning of Glassman’s appointment, some concern appeared to remain.
“It’s been clear from the beginning that this is a very ideological and partisan institution,” SMU history professor Ben Johnson said.
That said, Glassman’s credentials as a “conservative intellectual” are solid, Johnson said. “They could’ve done much worse. This guy’s a serious writer and thinker, not a shill or a hack.”
Others echoed that sentiment, saying the selection of Glassman probably signals that the Bush team searched for someone who would get the benefit of the doubt from the faculty as he tries to launch programs.
“They want to give it the gravitas it deserves,” communications professor Rita Kirk said. “This is somebody of substance.”

That he is.