Jesse Cornett has been named Interim Assistant to the President for Government Relations for Portland State University. Cornett replaces Debbie Murdock, who passed away in August 2007.

Previously, Cornett served as the Government Relations Associate from December 2006 to September 2007. Before coming to PSU, he served as the Senior Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison to Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury from 2003-06. Cornett also worked for Congressman Blumenauer in his Portland office, Oregon State Representative Steve March during the 2001 session of the Oregon Legislature and several political campaigns.

Cornett served eight years as a member of the United States Army Reserves and the Oregon Army National Guard, and three years as a Reserve Sheriff's Deputy for Multnomah County. In 2006 he ran a last minute campaign for the Oregon State Senate, ultimately coming within 200 votes of winning.

Jesse went to high school in Kent, Wash., attended Portland Community College, and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University, where he received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. As a graduate student, he served as the research assistant for retired U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield.

The role of Assistant to the President for Government Relations includes serving as a liaison between PSU and all levels of elected and government officials.