Diplomacy Has New Dean
Friday, December 22, 2006
“As the first school of diplomacy established after the Cold-War, the Whitehead School has a special role to play in higher education and in international affairs,” comments Seton Hall President, Monsignor Robert Sheeran. “With Ambassador Menzies’ leadership and wide diplomatic experience, I am confident that the School’s stature will continue to grow and expand.” Frederick Travis, the University’s provost, adds “Ambassador Menzies brings to the position distinguished experience in both the diplomatic and academic worlds.”
Prior to assuming the presidency of Graceland University, a liberal arts institution, Menzies was chief of mission to Kosovo, Yugoslavia where he led negotiations to form a government, forged compromise between political parties, developed a post-war economy, and helped organize and monitor the first democratic elections. As Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1994-1996, he participated in the Dayton Peace Talks and oversaw U.S. post-war assistance. In the early 1990’s, Menzies founded the American University in Bulgaria and was later a top adviser to the President and Secretary of State on Balkan policy.
Menzies holds a doctoral degree in German from the University of California at Berkeley, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arkansas.
Reverend Paul A. Holmes, vice president and interim dean of the Whitehead School, and chair of the search committee, explains, “the Whitehead School is about to celebrate its
tenth anniversary. It is poised for greatness,” he asserts, “and Ambassador Menzies has the international and administrative experience to help chart the School’s next decade.”
“The Whitehead School seized my attention several years ago through a letter from the dean inviting the nomination of students for graduate study,” explains Menzies. “I did so, and I have continued to send students. Seton Hall has a wonderful history. I embrace the Catholic mission of the university, a mission steeped in the pursuit of truth, social responsibility, and providing opportunity to all.”
The Whitehead School prepares students from around the world to become leaders in a global society. Its innovative graduate and undergraduate programs provide students with the critical skills and knowledge needed for international careers in public service, business, law and the nonprofit sector. Through a unique alliance with the United Nations Association of the United States of America, students are exposed to today’s leaders and policymakers while experiencing diplomacy at work.
Students come together from throughout the United States and nearly 50 countries to participate in a multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes global studies, multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, international economics and leadership. A distinguished faculty of scholars and professionals bring cutting edge theory and practical perspectives to the classroom. They are joined by a team of experienced and dedicated administrators committed to mentoring and empowering students to succeed both academically and personally.
