Former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad is stepping back into politics at Harvard University's Institute of Politics.

The institute, part of the Kennedy School of Government, named Ramstad as one of five resident fellows who will lead weekly study groups during the spring semester.

Ramstad said he hopes to "inspire student involvement in public service and bipartisanship and civility in government."

He retired from his Third Congressional District seat after serving nine terms. When he announced his retirement in 2007, he cited fatigue and political isolation as one of a dwindling number of Republican moderates in the House of Representatives. At the time, he said he hoped to land an unspecified spot in academia.

BOB VON STERNBERG