The Keough School of Global Affairs is welcoming four distinguished visiting professors of the practice, bringing decades of policy experience to the school and deepening its ties in Washington, D.C. The new faculty will work closely with students and colleagues on research, teaching and initiatives that advance the school’s priorities in democracy, peacebuilding and sustainability.
“We are delighted to welcome these accomplished professionals to the Keough School,” said Mary Gallagher, Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs. “Their expertise will provide our students a firsthand view of how policy is shaped around the world and the opportunity to learn directly from leaders who have addressed major international challenges.”
Since opening its Washington Office in 2018, the Keough School has cultivated strong partnerships with congressional offices, government agencies, think tanks and nonprofit organizations. Hosting visiting professors of the practice is the next step in strengthening these connections, allowing students and faculty to collaborate with leaders who have extensive experience navigating high-level policy challenges.
The 2025 Visiting Professors of Practice:
- Jay Gulledge, visiting professor of practice and a former senior USAID official, is an interdisciplinary policy practitioner specializing in energy, climate, and environmental sustainability. He is the director of scientific programs at PSE Healthy Energy and has held senior roles in government, research institutions, and academia, advancing science-based solutions in climate policy and environmental governance.
- Amy McAuliffe, visiting distinguished professor of practice and former senior U.S. intelligence official, specializes in national security policy and global risk analysis. Her work has focused on integrating intelligence insights into policymaking, advancing U.S. foreign policy and addressing emerging international security challenges.
- Derek Mitchell, visiting distinguished professor of practice, is a former U.S. ambassador who brings decades of experience in global democracy and Asian and Pacific political and security affairs. He has served in senior diplomatic roles across Southeast Asia and the Pacific and is recognized for his work on conflict resolution, democratic governance and U.S. foreign policy strategy.
- Peter Quaranto, visiting professor of practice is a former senior official at the U.S. Department of State and a peacebuilding policy expert and Africa specialist. He has led initiatives on conflict prevention, reconciliation, and democratic transitions across the African continent, combining policy expertise with hands-on field experience.
“These visiting faculty appointments will bridge the gap between scholarship and practice,” said Andrés Mejía Acosta, Kuster Family Associate Dean for Policy and Practice. “Working alongside our faculty and students, they bring extensive experience and networks gained from years of experience participating in high-level policy discussions.”
During their one-year appointments, the fellows will collaborate with faculty and students on research projects, teach policy labs and seminars, and support programming both on campus and in Washington, D.C. Their experience provides students with direct access to professionals who have shaped global policy and governance, linking academic research with practical solutions.
“These former U.S. government officials will strengthen Notre Dame’s presence in Washington D.C., help us build stronger connections across the policy community, and give our students unique insights into important policy conversations shaping our world,” said Maura Policelli, executive director of the Keough School’s Washington Office.
Learn more about the Keough School in Washington, D.C.
Originally published by at keough.nd.edu on September 09, 2025.