November 08, 2012

Former diplomat will discuss U.S. foreign policy

by Joaquin Norman

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Former ambassador Ronald K. McMullen will be visiting the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus for a lecture next week.

McMullen will present his lecture at 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 12, in the SIU School of Law Hiram H. Lesar Building courtroom.

The lecture is free, and the public is welcome to attend.

McMullen served as an ambassador to the State of Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa adjacent to Ethiopia, from 2007 to 2010. He will speak on "The Future of America's International Relations: The Growing Importance of Science & Technology and the United Nations to the Achievement of American Objectives in an Increasingly Interconnected World."

"I think being a foreign ambassador is the best job in the world, and I want to share some of the insight and how beneficial international relations can be with the SIU students, faculty and staff," McMullen said.

McMullen earned his doctorate in political science at the University of Iowa, where he is currently a visiting professor in the political science department. He has more than 30 years of diplomatic experience, and lived, traveled, or worked in 91 countries.

The University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes and the Southern Illinois chapter of the United Nations Association of the U.S.A. (UNA-USA) are event sponsors. The SIU School of Law is a co-sponsor.

Refreshments will be available.