Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma made Distinguished Fellow at his alma mater

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Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, delivering the 2019 Commencement address at his alma mater Lehigh University. PHOTO: news.lehigh.edu

Richard Verma, who served as US Ambassador to India and was the Deputy Secretary of State under President Joe Biden, is joining his alma mater, Lehigh University, as a Distinguished Fellow, a newly created position.

Lehigh University, which is a short distance from New York City and Philadelphia, made the announcement Jan. 29, 2025, on its website. Verma is a former Trustee of the University, and belongs to the Class of 1990. His Fellowship begins February 1.

His position as the President’s Distinguished Fellow requires Verma to interact with students and the broader Lehigh community through various activities “drawing on his extensive experience in government, diplomacy, and international relations,” the news report on the University website said.

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Verma is expected to mentor students, lead discussions on key national and global issues, deliver a public lecture, and share his insights on leadership in complex times, the University said. He will visit the Bethlehem campus and will also host programs in New York City and Washington, D.C., it added.

“Rich Verma’s exceptional career in government, diplomacy, and international relations brings a wealth of knowledge to our campus,” Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble is quoted saying, adding that Verma has already inspired many students over the years, and the fellowship will give more opportunities for the interaction. “His insights will deepen our understanding of the most pressing national and global issues and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Helble added.

“I’m very excited to be back on campus and reconnect with the Lehigh community over the coming months,” said Verma. “Lehigh has been a key part of my life for more than 35 years. The University has been with me every step of the way. I’m grateful to have this chance to engage with students, faculty and staff to discuss a really dynamic time in the international landscape.”

A veteran of the US Air Force, Verma has served in both the private and public sectors. Prior to his most recent position, Verma served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs in the Obama administration, serving as a senior member of then Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s team. He also served on Capitol Hill as National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He also worked in the House of Representatives for longtime Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee, Jack Murtha.

He was also a country director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Eastern Europe.

Verma was a partner at the global law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and as Senior Counselor to the Albright Stonebridge Group. His practice focused on international law and regulatory issues, with a specialization in Asia and emerging markets. Ambassador Verma was also a Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Washington DC-based think tank.

In 2008, he was appointed a Commissioner to the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission chaired by Senators Graham and Talent. He is a co-author of their landmark report, “World at Risk.” The Ambassador is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and served on the Boards of the Clinton Foundation, the National Democratic Institute, and Human Rights First. He also was a member of the Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board from 2011 to 2014.

Ambassador Verma is the recipient of the State Department’s Distinguished Service Award, and the Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship.

In 2020, Verma was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Mastercard.

When in the Air Force, Verma earned military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. Verma attended Lehigh on an Air Force ROTC scholarship.

He served as the 25th US Ambassador to India, nominated by President Barack Obama in 2014 and served in that position till 2017.