WASHINGTON – The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University is excited to announce the appointment of Darion Akins as new DC Metro Diplomat-in-Residence.  

"We are so fortunate to have a Diplomat-in-Residence at HU, and especially to have Mr. Akins with his wealth and breadth of knowledge and experience to share with our students,” said Tonija Hope, director of the Bunche Center. “We hope that students will take advantage of his presence to learn about life in the Foreign Service generally as well as all the programs, including internships, that are offered to chart a path to careers in the U.S. Department of State.” 

Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) are career foreign service officers and specialists located throughout the U.S. who provide guidance and advice on careers, internships, and fellowships to students and professionals in the communities they serve. DIRs are available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in foreign and sivil Service careers, internships, and fellowships.

The DIR program is central to the effort to recruit for the foreign service, civil service, and student rograms the best and brightest to represent America’s rich diversity to the world. DIRs disseminate information about career opportunities not only at their home universities but throughout the region where they are located. 

Darion K. Akins is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of counselor, who is currently serving as the Diplomat-in-Residence (DIR) for the District of Columbia (D.C.) Metro area. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Consul General for Northern Germany at U.S. Consulate General Hamburg. He also previously served in Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Australia, and Indonesia. After earning a master’s degree in national security strategy at the National War College in Washington, D.C., he served as the Human Resources Division Chief in the Executive Office for European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) and International Organizations (IO). Prior to joining the foreign service, he was an educator and a Peace Corps Volunteer. Although born in the great state of Oklahoma, he calls Texas home. He solidified his Lone Star State status after graduating Texas A&M University in College Station with a bachelor of science degree in political science and management. His languages are German, Japanese, and ChiNyanja. 

"To solve today's complex global challenges, we not only need you, we are searching for you,” said Atkins. “Howard University produces independent thinkers who are highly motivated, and I am here to inspire and encourage you - the next generation of leaders - to contribute your voices and talents to the21st century challenges faced by our country." 

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About Howard University 

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu. 

Media Contact: Aaliyah Butler; aaliyah.butler@howard.edu