Queen’s University Belfast has today appointed Dr Joe Kennedy III as an Honorary Professor of Practice in International Relations and Global Leadership, strengthening the University’s longstanding commitment to fostering international dialogue and leadership. 

Commenting on his appointment Dr Kennedy said:   

“I am truly honoured to join Queen’s University Belfast in this exciting new role. As I said before, I consider Queen’s to be a ‘home away home’ and it is an institution that is special to me. I have seen how committed Queen’s is to nurturing global leaders and addressing the most pressing issues of our time. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of education, collaboration, and community-driven solutions in creating lasting and meaningful change. I look forward to working with the University’s talented students, faculty, and partners as we continue to advance social justice, peace, and sustainable progress both locally and globally.” 

Dr Kennedy, a distinguished public servant and former US Congressman, most recently served as the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Outside of politics, Dr Kennedy is President of Citizens Energy, a diversified renewable energy nonprofit where he leads efforts to expand clean energy access while directing millions in profits to support low-income households. 

In 2021, Dr Kennedy founded the Groundwork Project to support grassroots community efforts in under-resourced and disenfranchised areas. His dedication to public service also includes work as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic on economic development projects. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Dr Kennedy has consistently demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to justice. 

Welcoming Dr Kennedy to the University as an Honorary Professor of Practice, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: 

“Dr Kennedy’s exceptional career and unwavering commitment to public service make him an outstanding addition to Queen’s University. His expertise in international relations and global leadership will be invaluable to our academic community, particularly our students, who are shaping the future of leadership and diplomacy. His insights and vision will enrich our collective efforts to address global challenges and nurture a new generation committed to creating a more inclusive and peaceful world. We look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the important relationship between Northern Ireland and the United States.” 

The appointment comes a few months after both Queen’s and Ulster University awarded two prestigious honorary doctorates to Dr Kennedy at a special ceremony held as part of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Council’s (GFCC) Global Innovation Summit. GFCC President Deborah Wince-Smith, a senior US Government official who served in both the Reagan and George H. W. Bush Administrations and a Queen’s Honorary Doctorate recipient, brought together world leaders and key global business figures throughout the summit hosted at Queen’s.  

As well as emphasising the pivotal role in fostering international relations and global leadership, both locally and globally, Dr Kennedy’s appointment highlights the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders and contributing to meaningful global discourse. 

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