Entering 2024: Rethinking America’s Place in the World with Ambassador Barbara Stephenson
March 28, 2024 @ 12:30PM — 1:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Join Us with Ambassador Barbara Stephenson for this Virtual Event
How do we understand America’s place in a changed and changing world? Join retired U.S. Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, vice provost for global affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to understand the implications of the rise of China and why America’s moment to lead has not passed. Stephenson will share her recommendations for what America can do to remain the world’s largest economy and most influential actor. After her presentation, she will be prepared to answer questions from those in attendance.
Background:
Barbara Stephenson is vice provost for global affairs and chief global officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s oldest public university. She is a distinguished diplomat, former U.S. ambassador and career Foreign Service Officer.
Stephenson was appointed UNC-Chapel Hill’s first vice provost for global affairs in 2019. In that role, she leads the university’s global strategy in support of its core mission of teaching, research and service to the state of North Carolina. Under her leadership, the university has realized the Global Guarantee, the university’s promise that a global education is available to every student; strengthened relations with strategic global partners; elevated UNC Chapel Hill’s global reputation; and brought the world to Carolina with increased global programming and cultural exchange.
Before coming to Carolina, Stephenson served for 34 years in the Foreign Service. She held posts in South Africa, the Netherlands and El Salvador, and served as consul general in Northern Ireland and Curaçao. She was the first woman to be deputy chief of mission and acting ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in London, and in 2008, she was appointed by the president to serve as ambassador to Panamá, where she began her diplomatic service in 1986. From 2015-2019, she was president of the American Foreign Service Association, which is the professional association of the Foreign Service.
Stephenson is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the American College of National Security Leaders; a board member of the World Affairs Councils of America; and a member of the advisory board of Global Ties U.S.
Stephenson holds a PhD, MA, and BA in English literature from the University of Florida.