Veteran political adviser to John Thune stepping down to join faculty at Augustana University

Historian Jon Lauck will become executive director of the Center for Western Studies

A longtime political adviser to Sen. John Thune will leave the staff to become the new executive director of the Center for Western Studies at Augustana University.

Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin announced the appointment of Jon Lauck to the center on Monday. Lauck has been with Thune since Thune won office in 2004. Lauck replaces Harry Thompson, who retired July 31 after 42 years at Augustana.