Auburn Times

Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins to Visit Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University will close Women’s History Month by hosting Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security in the U.S. Department of State. She is also the first African American to serve as an Under Secretary of State.

Dr. Jenkins, who previously served in the Obama Administration as Special Envoy and Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, coordinated efforts on threat reduction globally and U.S. government programs in chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological security. She also served as a legal advisor to the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, advising U.S. ambassadors and delegations negotiating arms control and nonproliferation treaties. In 2017, she founded the nongovernmental organization Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation. In 2020, she founded Organizations in Solidarity, where organizations work jointly to combat racism and discrimination in their organizations. 

“We are honored to be able to host Under Secretary Jenkins at Tuskegee again,” said Attorney Crystal James, vice president of External Affairs and General Counsel. “She spoke with students at the Biomedical Symposium (now the One Health Symposium) hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and inspired many to pursue careers in Global Health and Security, among other areas relevant to International Affairs.” 

Dr. Jenkins will discuss her work at the Department of State and the role of diplomacy in international security. She will also address opportunities in foreign affairs generally and the U.S. Department of State specifically, said Tuskegee President Charlotte Morris. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 31, in the second-floor auditorium of Foster Hall. 

“Our goal is always to provide exceptional examples of leadership in different fields to inspire our students as they navigate career options after Tuskegee,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Tuskegee provost. “Dr. Jenkins will provide our young women and men an example to learn more about the value in expanding their worldview and what’s required as an international professional.” 

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