Former U.S. Ambassador Alan W. Eastham has joined the faculty of Hendrix College as Senior Fellow in International Relations and International Programs.
A native of Dumas, Ark., Eastham graduated from Hendrix in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He later received a law degree from Georgetown University.
Eastham joined the State Department as junior officer in 1975. He has served in Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and France, along with assignments in Washington, D.C.
Eastham became involved in African affairs in 1989 when he was assigned to the embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, which was followed by a similar assignment in Zaire. As Special Negotiator for Conflict Diamonds, he negotiated the Kimberley Process agreement regulating the global trade in rough diamonds. From 2005 to 2008, Eastham served as Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi. From 2008 until his retirement this year, Eastham was U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Congo.
This fall, Eastham will teach two courses in the Politics Department, U.S. Foreign Policy and Comparative Politics – Africa. In the spring, Eastham will teach a topics course on south Asia.
"The 'Senior Fellow' title captures the hybrid nature of my work here. I think I can strengthen the role of the College in International Relations and International Affairs through teaching," said Eastham. "And I think I can add value to the International Programs Office by assisting students who would like to study or do research overseas, reviewing project proposals for feasibility and practicality."
"I am really pleased that Al chose to join us at Hendrix," said. Dr. Daniel Whelan, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations at Hendrix. "It is a rare opportunity for a school our size to have the benefit of Al's long and distinguished career in the State Department."
"In his teaching, Al will be able to offer a practitioner's perspective to the study of U.S. Foreign Policy and the regional politics in Africa and Asia," Whelan said. "His field experience will bring valuable experiential perspectives to the courses he teaches in the College's Politics and International Relations program—perspectives that really drive home the College's commitment to on-the-ground learning and engagement."
Eastham will also work closely with the Office of International Programs.
"Having former Ambassador Al Eastham here is a unique and wonderful experience for the Hendrix community," said Dr. Peter Gess, Director of International Programs and Assistant Professor of Politics. "His worldwide experience and network will help Hendrix develop hands-on learning opportunities and study-abroad programs in increasingly-important countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and central, east and south Asia."
"For students interested in careers with the U.S. State Department and other Foreign Service opportunities, Al will provide incredible knowledge, insight and advice. I foresee him encouraging a new cadre of Hendrix alumni to engage around the world through government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector," Gess added.
In 2007, Hendrix presented Eastham with the Odyssey Medal for Global Awareness, which is awarded to alumni who immerse themselves in cultures in other countries or distinct regions within this country through service, study, or research.
Eastham and his wife of 36 years, Carolyn Laux Eastham, Class of '72, live in Pulaski County. They have two sons, Mark, a senior at Elon University in North Carolina, and Michael, a junior at James Madison University in Virginia.
Founded in 1876, Hendrix is an undergraduate liberal arts college emphasizing experiential learning in a demanding yet supportive environment. The college is profiled in Loren Pope's book Colleges That Change Lives. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.