On February 24, 2026, Georgia Southern University and the American Academy of Diplomacy will co-host a panel to discuss the practical skills diplomats utilize and how their work applies to the American people. As part of Georgia Southern's annual Norman Fries Distinguished Lectureship series, the panel will give Academy members the chance to provide insights through their thematic expertise and personal stories from their time as ambassadors.

Featured Speakers are:

Ambassador (ret.) Philip T. Reeker

Ambassador (ret.) Kathleen Stephens

President, American Academy of Diplomacy Ronald E. Neumann

Ambassador (ret) Deborah A. McCarthy

The Open Public Forum is open to the public and will offer attendees the opportunity to engage directly with career diplomats who have served under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The forum is designed to foster informed dialogue about global challenges and their connections to Georgia and the Southeast.