Visiting Diplomats

One of the institute’s charges is to expose students to the myriad professional paths available in the field of international relations. What better way to explore these options than through the firsthand experience of former and current diplomats?

The institute hosts diplomats who bring a lifetime of professional experience in international public affairs to their interactions with faculty, staff, students, and the community. Visiting diplomats—both short-term and long-term—offer public lectures, mentor students, visit classes, engage in community outreach, and offer strategic advice to University leadership on ways to further Drake’s internationalization mission. 

In addition to the long-term Visiting Diplomat, the Nelson Institute has hosted former U.S. ambassadors Ryan Crocker, Ronald McMullen, Joseph Mussomeli, and Kenneth Yalowitz, as well as former FSO and Director of Global Engagement at the White House Brett Bruen and former Director of Cybersecurity Policy at the White House Zachary Nunn.