Just Revealed: Jackson School’s 2025 World Fellows

New Senior Fellows at Jackson School

The Jackson School of Global Affairs has announced its new senior fellows for the 2025 academic year. The new senior fellows include Joyce-Ann Wainaina, a managing director at Citibank based in sub-Saharan Africa and the former CEO of the bank’s Kenya and East Africa division. Robin Miller, the director of consulting firm Dalberg’s Africa division, and Hanscom Smith, a former foreign service officer who headed consulates across Asia, are also among the new senior fellows.

Wainaina is teaching a seminar this fall entitled “Catalyzing Private Sector Investment in Africa.” She told the News that the course will focus on sketching out Africa’s future economic and industrial performance, paying particular attention to economic inclusion, technological advancements, and intra-African trade.

Miller, global consulting firm Dalberg’s regional director for Africa, is teaching “Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth” this semester. The course will explore how technology and digital economies can be used to increase accessibility and inclusion in systems of healthcare, education, and for businesses.

Smith served as the Consul General in Hong Kong, Macau, and Shanghai, and is now teaching a graduate seminar on China’s international economic policy. Having worked in the foreign service for 32 years before retiring, Smith spent most of his career overseas.

Teaching and Mentoring at Yale

The new senior fellows will spend a semester or a full academic year in New Haven teaching courses, conducting research, and mentoring students. “I think that the senior fellows are a fantastic way for practitioners to help share their insights from their experiences and careers with students,” Smith said. “What I hope to do is share some of the insights that I got from my experience to give students a chance to see what the different options are for public service.”

Jim Levinsohn, inaugural dean of Jackson, told the News that each of the three fellows brings their experiences in nonprofits, government, and business to the program — sectors that Jackson graduates tend to work in. “I’m thrilled to welcome three new Senior Fellows to the Jackson Senior Fellows Program,” Levinsohn said. “They’re a great complement to Jackson’s traditional academic faculty.”

Implications and Expectations

This year marks the twelfth cohort of Jackson senior fellows. The new senior fellows will bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the program, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship.

The senior fellows will spend a semester or a full academic year in New Haven teaching courses, conducting research, and mentoring students. The program is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and gain practical skills and knowledge.

Senior Fellows’ Goals and Impact at Yale

The Jackson School of Global Affairs at Yale has recently announced its 2022-2023 senior fellows, who will join the academic community as part of a longstanding program designed to blend practical professional experience with academic learning. The new fellows, including Joyce-Ann Wainaina, Robin Miller, and Hanscom Smith, bring a wealth of experience from the fields of finance, international development, and diplomacy. Their primary aim is to share their insights and experiences, providing a valuable link between theory and practice for the students at Yale.

Wainaina, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in African finance, hopes to leverage her extensive background to offer a course that will equip students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of private sector investment in Africa. Her seminar, titled “Catalyzing Private Sector Investment in Africa,” will delve into economic inclusion, technological advancements, and intra-African trade. She emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge, stating, “I will leverage my experience at Citi across Africa and invite leading guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience building the continent.”

Mirroring Wainaina’s intentions, Miller aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital transformation’s role in fostering inclusive growth through her course, “Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth.” Her curriculum will cover the impact of technology on healthcare, education, and business, with a focus on ensuring that these advancements benefit a diverse range of populations. “The aim is to provide students with a holistic view of how digital transformation can address economic disparities,” says Miller. “This is an opportunity to bring real-world challenges into the classroom and explore innovative solutions.”

Smith, with his extensive experience as a diplomat, is set to teach a graduate seminar on China’s international economic policy. His experience in consular posts across Asia will provide students with a unique perspective on global diplomacy. “Jackson School’s strength lies in its ability to integrate practical knowledge into academic study,” notes Smith. “Through my course and interactions outside the classroom, I aim to introduce students to the nuances of international relations and the real-world challenges faced by diplomats.”

The appointment of these senior fellows is seen as a significant addition to the academic community at Yale. Dean Jim Levinsohn stated, “The Jackson School’s senior fellows program is an integral part of our mission to bridge theory and practice. These new fellows are a great complement to our traditional academic faculty and will bring unparalleled insights to our students and the broader academic community.”

Program Benefits for Students and Academic Community

The program’s primary objective is to provide students with firsthand experience and insights from seasoned professionals. These senior fellows are expected to contribute significantly to the academic community, enhancing the learning experience and broadening students’ perspectives on global affairs. By integrating real-world challenges and solutions into the curriculum, the fellows aim to prepare Yale students to tackle complex global issues effectively.

Wainaina, Miller, and Smith will engage students in discussions and projects that reflect real-world scenarios, thereby equipping them with practical skills and knowledge that are vital in today’s interconnected world. The fellows will also mentor students, offering guidance and advice based on their extensive experience in their respective fields.

Moreover, the fellows will participate in various academic and social activities at Yale, further enriching the campus community. They will engage in discussions, seminars, and workshops, fostering a dynamic environment where theoretical knowledge is continuously supplemented by practical insights. This interaction not only enriches the academic experience for students but also contributes to the broader academic community by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise into the classroom.

Controversy Surrounding Robert Malley’s Appointment

Background on Malley’s Appointment as a Jackson Fellow

Among the notable appointments, Robert Malley ’84, currently the U.S. special envoy to Iran, was named as one of the new senior fellows. Malley’s appointment has sparked controversy, as he was placed on unpaid leave by the State Department on June 29, with his security clearance under review by the FBI for alleged mishandling of classified documents. Malley, who was appointed to his role by President Joe Biden in 2021, expressed confidence in the resolution of the matter, stating, “I have absolute faith that the matter will be resolved favorably.”

Criticisms and Concerns Raised by Politicians and Iran Scholars

The decision to appoint Malley as a senior fellow has met with significant criticism from various quarters. Alireza Nader, an Iran specialist and former senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expressed his concerns, asserting, “Yale should ask itself why a man under FBI investigation should teach young students about national security.” Nader’s comments highlight the broader concerns about the credibility and integrity of the program in light of the ongoing investigation.

The controversy deepened when an alleged internal memo from the State Department was leaked, detailing serious concerns over Malley’s handling of classified information. The memo, purportedly from the Department’s Diplomatic Security Office, outlined issues related to personal conduct, handling protected information, and the use of information technology. The authenticity of the memo has not been officially verified, but its implications are far-reaching. Critics argue that the appointment of an individual under such scrutiny undermines the academic integrity of the program and raises questions about the judgment of the Jackson School’s leadership.

Defending Malley’s Appointment

Support for Malley’s Appointment from Academics and Experts

Despite the controversy, the appointment of Robert Malley has garnered support from several academics and experts within the academic community at Yale. Abbas Amanat, a history professor emeritus and former chair of the Council on Middle East Studies, voiced his support, arguing that Malley’s extensive knowledge and experience in Middle Eastern affairs are invaluable assets to the academic community. Amanat believes that even if the investigation results in a decision that contradicts his appointment, it should not detract from the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table. “Dr. Malley is an accomplished observer of the Arab Middle East, and his insights can greatly benefit Yale students,” Amanat asserts.

Malley’s Experience and Knowledge Despite Ongoing Investigation

Supporters of Malley’s appointment maintain that his experience and expertise in international relations and diplomatic negotiations remain highly relevant and beneficial to students. Malley’s tenure as a senior fellow will not only provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn from a seasoned diplomat but also offer a unique insight into the practical application of theoretical concepts taught in the classroom. The course he will teach, “International Politics of the Middle East: Perception and Misperception in Four Crises,” promises to provide a detailed analysis of critical international crises and the role of perception in shaping them.

Experts argue that the academic community can benefit from the perspective and practical wisdom that Malley brings to the table, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing investigation. By engaging with students on complex issues such as international diplomacy and crisis management, Malley’s presence at Yale can contribute significantly to the academic discourse and provide students with a broader understanding of the complexities involved in global affairs. This approach underscores the commitment of the Jackson School to integrate real-world experiences into the academic curriculum, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.