Written by Colin McEvoy | March 3, 2025 | SHARE
Lehigh University students had the opportunity to engage with Richard Verma ’90, former U.S. Ambassador to India and current President’s Distinguished Fellow
A select group of just over a dozen Lehigh University students had the opportunity to participate in a mentoring session with Richard Verma ’90, an accomplished diplomat who held several prestigious positions under the administrations of U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Last month, Verma was named Lehigh’s inaugural President’s Distinguished Fellow, a six-month appointment during which he will engage with Lehigh students and the broader university community through a variety of activities.
During the first of a series of planned meetings mentoring with students on Feb. 27, Verma drew on his extensive experience in government, diplomacy, and international relations. The meetings are to cover such topics as global affairs, Washington’s policy process, leadership and career development, and more.
“Lehigh is a great community of alumni, faculty and staff, and it's an institution that invites you to be engaged with that community for many years well beyond your graduation,” Verma said. “It’s been such a reliable part of my life, so it’s great to be able to be here with you and hearing directly from you.”
Direct engagement with students
Verma served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources from 2023 to January 2025. Before that, he was U.S. Ambassador to India from 2015 to 2017, and Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 2009 to 2011, and the National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader from 2002 to 2007.
Bill Hunter, Director of Fellowship Advising & UN Programs at Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), who introduced Verma, described the mentoring program as a unique opportunity for substantive and interactive discussions with one of the nation’s most accomplished diplomats.
“Meeting Rich Verma was incredibly insightful, offering a unique blend of diplomatic experience and practical career advice,” said Julia Klayman ‘25, a global studies and political science double major.
“Discussing everything from balancing professional and personal aspirations to pressing global issues like the dismantling of USAID made me even more excited to continue these conversations and gain mentorship from someone with such a deep understanding of international affairs and public service,” Klayman said.
Insights from a diplomatic career
Verma was also the former U.S. Ambassador to India, and most recently worked as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. A Lehigh alumnus, he has remained actively involved with the university through various roles, including as a corporate trustee and commencement speaker.
The Feb. 27 discussion with students covered various topics, including growing distrust in experts and institutions, handling leadership pressure, and encouragement for future leaders, and the U.S. State Department’s role in addressing digital diplomacy challenges
Verma highlighted the agency’s focus on cyber and digital issues, both as a tool for development like digital public infrastructure, and as a threat like surveillance, cybercrime, and the misuse of artificial intelligence. He said the increasing role of technology in diplomacy has led to the recruitment of data scientists and engineers.
Verma also discussed concerns about the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has played a vital role in humanitarian aid, global stability, and U.S. national security. He highlights USAID's past contributions, particularly in India, including famine relief, tuberculosis treatment, and agricultural and climate initiatives.
“Secretary Jim Mattis, who was President Trump's defense secretary, very famously testified before Congress and said if you don't fully fund USAID and the State Department, then you need to buy me more ammunition, because they do conflict prevention and reduce tension,” Verma said. “So we may save in the short term, but I think it's going to cost us a lot in the end.”
Mentoring students, leading discussions
Over the course of his Fellowship, Verma will continue to guest lecture classes, mentor students, lead discussions on key national and global issues, and share his insights on leadership in complex times. He will deliver a public lecture in April, and will host programs in New York City and Washington, D.C. as well as on the Lehigh campus.
The students who participated in the session were nominated by the deans from each of the five colleges across the university, Hunter said.
"It was an honor to sit with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma as he shared his career journey, insights on politics, and experience as Ambassador to India,” said Sydney Ellis ‘27. “What stood out most was his emphasis on being present in your current role rather than chasing the next big thing and trusting your gut over external expectations."
Before his public career, Verma served as the Chief Legal Officer & Head of Global Public Policy for MasterCard from 2020 to 2023. He was also Vice Chairman of The Asia Group from 2017 to 2020, practiced law at Steptoe & Johnson, was Senior Counselor at Albright Stonebridge Group, and was Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress.