Ambassador Larry André (ret), with a distinguished 38-year career in the federal government, has been inducted into the American Academy of Diplomacy.
Dedicated to supporting and strengthening U.S. diplomacy and enhancing public appreciation of its critical role in advancing the national interest, the Academy boasts members of outstanding diplomatic careers or significant contributions to American foreign policy. André, who retired from the State Department’s Senior Foreign Service in May 2023, currently teaches courses on foreign policy and overseas operations at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
“I am honored to accept the kind invitation of members to join the American Academy of Diplomacy,” André said. “I am grateful to my mentor who nominated me and to all those who voted for me. I am eager to contribute toward the Academy's mission of advancing diplomacy on behalf of the American people and a better world for all.”
Elected by their peers, the Academy emphasizes professionalism, achievements and the embodiment of Academy leadership values including integrity and commitment to diversity. Notable figures like U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and others, are part of this esteemed cohort.
“I am proud to have Ambassador Larry André as part of our distinguished faculty at the LBJ School,” said LBJ Dean JR DeShazo. “His diplomatic experience and commitment to advancing the understanding of foreign policy enhances our students' education and enriches our academic community.”
André's leadership positions included Ambassador to Somalia (January 2022-May 2023), Ambassador to Djibouti (January 2018-January 2021), and Ambassador to Mauritania (September 2014-November 2017). He also served as Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy South Sudan; Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Tanzania; Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Sierra Leone; Director, Office of the Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, and Deputy Director, Office of West African Affairs.
André's management (“overseas operations”) positions included Deputy Director, African Affairs Bureau’s Executive Office; Management Officer, U.S. Embassy Guinea; Administrative Officer, U.S. Consulate Kaduna (northern Nigeria); Deputy Management Counselor, U.S. Embassy Iraq; and Supervisory General Services Officer, U.S. Embassy Bangladesh.
André's policy positions (advocacy, diplomatic reporting and programs) included Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy Kenya; Political/Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy Cameroon, Economic/Commercial officer, U.S. Embassy Bangladesh, and Regional Environment Officer for East Africa covering 14 countries from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, André worked in Chad to assist refugees returning home following the war with Libya and served both as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal and as Peace Corps staff in Washington, DC.
The Academy was founded in 1983 and accomplishes its mission through outreach programs, lectures, awards, publications, and writing competitions. André accepted the invitation to the Academy on November 9 during an awards ceremony at the U.S. State Department in Washington DC, marking his significant contributions to diplomacy.