Ambassador Johnnie Carson to visit SUNO

Ambassador Carson, who serves as assistant secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, will conduct a colloquium about an assortment of contemporary international opportunities and issues. The event is being hosted by the university’s College of Business and Public Administration.

“Like many Sub-Saharan African economies, New Orleans is growing and at the same time in need of new and extensive capital infusion to help it recover from setbacks due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Ambassador Carson, a seasoned diplomat with extensive knowledge of Africa and Africa-related issues, is uniquely qualified to share his extensive experience with students and members of the New Orleans community,” according Igwe Udeh, dean of SUNO’s College of Business and Public Administration.

Ambassador Carson was sworn in as assistant secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, on May 7, 2009.

Prior to his appointment, he served as the National Intelligence Officer for Africa at the National Intelligence Council. He had also served as the Senior Vice President of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. (2003-2006).

His 37-year Foreign Service career also includes ambassadorships to Kenya (1999-2003), Zimbabwe (1995-1997), and Uganda (1991-1994), and principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs (1997-1999). Earlier in Ambassador Carson’s career he had assignments in Portugal (1982-1986), Botswana (1986-1990), Mozambique (1975-1978), and Nigeria (1969-1971). He has also served as desk officer in the Africa section at State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1971-1974); staff officer for the Secretary of State (1978-1979), and staff director for the Africa Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives (1979-1982).

Ambassador Carson is the recipient of several Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State and a Meritorious Service Award from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Centers for Disease Control presented Ambassador Carson its highest award, “Champion of Prevention Award,” for his leadership in directing the U.S. Government's HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Kenya.

Ambassador Carson holds a bachelor of arts in history and political science from Drake University and a master of arts in international relations from the School of Oriental and Africa Studies at the University of London.

For more information call (504) 286-5331 or (504) 286-5330.