Ambassador James A. Joseph is professor emeritus of the practice of public policy at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. He is also leader in residence for the Hart Leadership Program and founder of the United States – Southern Africa Center for Leadership and Public Values at Duke and the University of Cape Town.
Prior to assuming his responsibilities at Duke, Jim was CEO of the Council on Foundations , vice President of Cummins Engine Company and President of Cummins Engine Foundation.
Jim has served in senior executive or advisory positions for four U.S. Presidents, including appointments by President Jimmy Carter as Under Secretary of the Interior and President William Clinton as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa. In 1999, the Republic of South Africa awarded Ambassador Joseph the Order of Good Hope, the highest honor bestowed on a citizen of another country.
He is the recipient of nineteen honorary degrees and his undergraduate alma mater, Southern University, has named an endowed chair in his honor.
Jim is a graduate of Southern University and Yale University (Theology)