Michael McClellan named diplomat-in-residence at WKU

A veteran diplomat with the U.S. Department of State will be helping WKU further internationalize its campus.

Michael McClellan

Michael McClellan will join WKU on Feb. 1 as diplomat-in-residence. The position is a partnership between the Potter College of Arts & Letters and the Office of International Programs.

“This new position will strengthen the International Reach part of our mission, both on campus and in the community,” Craig T. Cobane, WKU’s Chief International Officer, said. “Mr. McClellan will work with both WKU students and local high school students to help them understand and pursue career and scholarship opportunities in diplomacy, government, international relations and non-governmental organizations.”

Potter College Dean David Lee said, “Mr. McClellan has impressive academic and diplomatic credentials, and I’m delighted that our students will have this opportunity to work with him.”

McClellan has been with the State Department and the U.S. Information Agency since 1984 and is a senior foreign service officer whose last posting was deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Juba, Republic of South Sudan. He has held posts in Iraq, Ethiopia, Ireland, Kosovo, Germany, Russia and Egypt. He is also an accomplished photographer and owns a small organic farm near Bowling Green.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville, a master’s from Syracuse University and is completing a doctorate at Indiana University.

McClellan’s responsibilities will include participating in the intellectual life of the campus by offering to do guest lectures in classes, participate in panel discussions and give presentations; offering workshops on the opportunities available to students in public service internships and careers in Washington, D.C.; assisting the Office of Scholar Development in recruiting and mentoring students for major international awards; increasing awareness of international job/career opportunities, internships and study abroad programs, and conducting public diplomacy and outreach to area high schools to make those students aware of the international and educational opportunities available at WKU.

Contact: Craig T. Cobane, (270) 745-4258.