Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Governor of Iowa, is the Ambassador-in-Residence at Drake University. Branstad is available to meet weekly with Drake students, faculty, staff, and clubs and participate in class lectures each semester. (Schedule a meeting by clicking here, or if the requested length, day, or time is not in the designated meeting times, email ambassador@drake.edu.)

Branstad is a partner at Branstad Churchill Group, LLC, an international consulting firm that provides advice, guidance and solutions to organizations, corporate leaders and investors seeking to navigate the complexities associated with conducting business in China and the United States. He was also recently named president of the World Food Prize Foundation.

Internships are available to Drake students at both Branstad Churchill Group and the World Food Prize. Check Handshake for openings.

Branstad holds the record for being the longest-serving governor in American history (1983-99, 2011-17) and was appointed ambassador to China (2017-20) in part due to his long-standing relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Formerly, Branstad served as president of Des Moines University (2003-09) and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (1979-83). In 1972, while attending Drake Law School, he decided to run for the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served in from 1973-79. He is quick to point out that he selected blue and white for his campaign colors as a tribute to Drake University.

— Luke Clausen, JO, AS