The U.S. Department of State assigns Senior Foreign Service Officers to the position of Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at certain colleges and universities throughout the United States. The DIR program is central to the effort to recruit the best and brightest young graduates to represent the United States' interests around the world.
While based at specific campuses, all Diplomats in Residence cover wider geographical regions. The DIR hosted by FIU and Miami-Dade College covers southern Florida from Orlando south to and including Puerto Rico. Currently, FIU's DIR is one of only 16 senior diplomats participating in this program nationwide.
For the Academic Year 2021-2023, the DIR is Mrs. Mignon Turner Houston
What Do Diplomats in Residence Do?
DIRs disseminate information about career opportunities not only at their home universities but throughout the region where they are located; they also
- Identify and counsel diverse candidates for student and career opportunities
- Guide candidates through the Foreign Service exam application and examination process
- Represent the Department at conferences and career fairs
- Support programs sponsored by Foreign Affairs groups
- Engage in outreach to the military, professional organizations and other local groups