Former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, Zimbabwe to Speak at Park University

March 15, 2023 — David Miller Jr., who served as U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania from 1981-84 and to Zimbabwe from 1984-86, will speak in a semi-private event on Thursday, March 23, starting at 3 p.m. in the McCoy Meetin’ House on the University’s flagship Parkville Campus. A limited number of seats are available to the general public on a first come/first served basis by e-mailing communication@park.edu no later than Wednesday, March 22.

Miller will make remarks related to the private sector and diplomacy, addressing the critical role played by the private sector in existential threats to the U.S. He will also call upon his experience in Africa, as an ambassador, as an executive and as an African relations expert.

Currently the president of the U.S. Diplomatic Studies Foundation and founder/partner of private equity firm Torch Hill Capital LLC, Miller was also the special assistant to the president for national security affairs under President George H.W. Bush from January 1989 to December 1990. His National Security Council duties included Africa, as well as counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and hostage rescue.

Following a year in Vietnam working on projects primarily for the Advanced Research Projects Agency, Miller was selected as a White House Fellow for 1968-69. In 1970-1971, he was the director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows while also working with the counsel to the president. He also founded and serves as the chairman of the Special Operations Fund, which provides scholarships for the widows and children of deceased members of special operations military units.

In his private sector career, Miller worked for a decade in international positions for Westinghouse Electric Corp. In addition, he has provided international business advisory services to a number of major U.S. corporations and has managed investments for high net worth individuals in privately held companies. He recently assumed a more active role at the Atlantic Council, becoming the first Brent Scowcroft Senior Fellow.

Miller graduated with honors from Harvard College. He also received a juris doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School and an honorary Doctor of Law from Lewis and Clark College.

Miller’s visit to Park University is made possible through its partnership with the Command and General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.