Veteran diplomat Stuart Symington IV, previously an ambassador for the United States, slated to address audiences at Park University.
American diplomat W. Stuart Symington IV, a distinguished member of the Symington family known for their service in U.S. politics, will be speaking at Park University's Parkville (Mo.) Campus on October 31, 2023.
Symington's career has been marked by significant roles within the U.S. government, particularly in the field of diplomacy and foreign relations. He has served as the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, a key African nation, and has held various other diplomatic positions.
The event, made possible through a collaboration with the Command and General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., will take place in McCoy Meetin' House, starting at 10 a.m. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
Born into a family with a rich political history, Symington is the grandson of Missouri U.S. Sen. Stuart Symington III, who served in office from 1953-76. His grandfather was also the first Secretary of the Air Force. Symington's career, however, has been focused on diplomacy rather than defense or legislative functions.
Symington's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University (Providence, R.I.) and a juris doctor degree from Columbia Law School (New York City). He has also held positions such as the U.S. Special Representative for the Central African Republic, deputy chief of mission and charge d'affaires in Niger, and political advisor to the commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command / U.S. Northern Command.
In addition to his diplomatic work, Symington is a senior fellow at the National Defense University's Joint Forces Staff College and an honorary professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Park University President Shane Smeed is a member of the Foundation's board, and Jeanette Prenger, '09 (and former trustee) is also on the Foundation's board.
This promises to be an insightful and engaging event, offering the public a chance to learn about Symington's experiences and perspectives on diplomacy and international relations. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a prominent U.S. diplomat continuing his family’s legacy of public service, primarily in the diplomatic domain.
- During his speech at Park University's Parkville (Mo.) Campus on October 31, 2023, diplomat W. Stuart Symington IV might share his insights on diplomacy and international relations, drawing from his career development in the field, which has seen him serve as the Ambassador to Nigeria and hold other diplomatic positions.
- Aside from his diplomatic duties, Symington's education-and-self-development journey includes a degree from Brown University and Columbia Law School, and he has also been involved in various political and career-development opportunities separate from defense or legislative functions, such as being a senior fellow at the National Defense University's Joint Forces Staff College and an honorary professor at Old Dominion University.
