CARBONDALE -Sitting at a table in the director's office of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, David Yepsen enjoys the amenities and scenery.

A row of trees and the bright blue sky are visible through the glass windows, and the room itself offers a spacious environment complete with shelving, and quite pleasing for Yepsen, the table itself. The office � his office, as of April 1 � offers a much different environment than the newsroom of the Des Moines Register, where Yepsen worked for more than 34 years.

Leaving the fast-paced lifestyle of a daily newspaper for the world of academia has already been an adjustment. But Yepsen said he feels bad leaving the journalism industry at a time when major newspapers are closing and layoffs are announced every day.

"This is not about getting away from that," he said. "This is just a great opportunity."

Yepsen's first week on the job has been "hectic," complete with overseeing the annual Youth Government Day in Springfield, hosting National Public Radio personality Scott Simon and preparing for visits from humanitarian Howard Buffett and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago.

With goals of working with students and taking an active role in state ethics reform and higher education funding, these early opportunities are positioning Yepsen well for future endeavors. Overseeing Youth Government Day has already been a positive experience in his tenure at the institute, Yepsen said.

"It was fun just to talk to them," he said of the students at Youth Government Day. "I think younger adults are more engaged in politics than they have been in generations. You don't have to explain to someone under age 25 why politics is important � they know."

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

618-351-5031