In 2024–25, the Mroz Global Leadership Institute continued to create opportunities for our students to explore global issues and develop the skills needed to navigate the interconnected world. Through engaging public events, hands-on learning, and professional development opportunities, we helped students build the skills of global fluency and gain a deeper understanding of diplomacy in action.
Our World Affairs Colloquium Series brought leading voices to campus to explore pressing global challenges. In collaboration with the International Studies Program, we hosted Dr. Amy Jo Dowd in the fall for a talk on global education policy. In the spring, we again partnered with International Studies to welcome a College of Charleston alumna, Deniz Houston (’16), who delivered a talk on technology, AI, and authoritarianism. Her visit offered students a good example of how an International Studies degree from CofC can open the doors to careers in policy and diplomacy. We concluded the series with an analysis of US-China relations by David Firestein, President & CEO of the Bush China Foundation.
The Fourth Annual Mroz Summit, “Diplomacy, Global Governance, and Transitional Justice,” featured diplomats, scholars, and journalists in conversation about human rights and international law. This year’s Summit was dedicated to Karen Linehan Mroz, whose vision was instrumental in founding the Institute. Her legacy was honored through heartfelt reflections from student mentees, faculty, and CofC leaders who worked closely with her, as well as a keynote address by Randa Fahmy.
Our Global Ambassadors Program offered eight students a yearlong immersion into global affairs and the intricacies of foreign service careers. Through weekly policy briefings, discussions, and a field trip to Washington, DC, students deepened their knowledge of diplomacy, foreign service, and internationally focused careers.
We remain committed to cultivating informed, interested, and globally minded future leaders. We are especially proud of our students, who introduced speakers, facilitated discussions, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue with our guests. Their curiosity, professionalism, and drive embody the mission of the Mroz Institute.
Thank you for your continuous support of our programs.
Enjoy this 2024-2025 Annual Report with an overview of the Mroz Institute’s programs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit the Mroz Institute YouTube Channel for recordings of previous talks, summits, and convenings at www.youtube.com/@MrozInstitute and check our schedule of upcoming events.
