Upcoming Events
Career U.S. Diplomat to Speak at SIU on Global Affairs
Ronald McMullen, a career U.S. diplomat and professor at the University of Iowa, will join the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. CT in the Guyon Auditorium inside Morris Library.
McMullen will share insights from his decades of diplomatic service and academic work, discussing global affairs, diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy in an increasingly complex world. He will reflect on his experiences representing the United States abroad and teaching the next generation of leaders.
Over a 30-year diplomatic career, McMullen served in numerous posts around the globe, including as U.S. Ambassador to Eritrea. He has also worked on democracy promotion, conflict resolution, and international security issues. Since 2010, he has been a professor at the University of Iowa, where he teaches courses on diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy, and international relations.
A reception will precede the event from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Morris Library. McMullen’s lecture will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Guyon Auditorium. The event is free to attend, but attendees are encouraged to register here.
Event Series
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Event Descriptions
Office for Access & Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are welcome at all events.
Call SIU Office for Access and Accommodations at 618-453-5738 to request accommodations.
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This program provides an important venue for book events and author discussions focusing on Illinois history, politics, economics, sports, and culture. It is partially funded thanks to a grant from Ameren Illinois.
Illinois Authors builds on our initiative Illinois 101, in which more than 20 prominent Illinoisans recommended histories, biographies, novels, or essays to provide a more nuanced understanding of our state. The recommendations were published as our Illinois 101 booklet.
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The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute in August 2020 launched a series of virtual conversations called “Meet the Mayor.”
In this series, Institute Director John Shaw hosts discussions with mayors from different Illinois communities. They talk about the mayors' careers and the challenges and opportunities civic leaders and their constituents are facing.
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This series focuses on the new generation of leaders in Illinois who are already shaping the Prairie State and are poised to become increasingly influential. The Institute will host, both virtually and in person, young leaders from the Illinois General Assembly, mayors, and members of city councils, county commissions, and school boards. We will learn what kind of future they envision for Illinois—and how we can all work together to ensure “Better Politics, Smarter Government,” in Illinois.
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These hour-long conversations with leaders in government, diplomacy, academia, philanthropy, and the military are respectful, probing, and civil — the kind of discussions that Paul Simon relished. View the latest UONW Brochure.
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The place for politics on the SIU campus.
These events are open opportunities, primarily for students, to engage in a free-flowing discussion led by an expert, professor, or political/media figure. Topics range and are focused on policy issues, careers in politics, public service, or advocacy.
Pizza is provided and the events are informal. We ask attendees to register in advance.
