WASHINGTON  (October 1, 2012)  –  Howard University and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are partnering to build the next generation of international development professionals and global leaders.  In honor of this new partnership, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah will give a special presentation on Oct. 15, at 3:30 p.m. in the School of Business.  To RSVP for the event, visit here.

Dr. Shah will engage Howard students on innovative ways to drive foreign assistance priorities, such as food security, global health, digital inclusion, innovation, education and economic development in developing countries.

Dr. Shah serves as the 16th Administrator of USAID and leads the efforts of more than 8,000 professionals in 80 missions around the world. Since being sworn in on Dec. 31, 2009, Dr. Shah managed the U.S. Government's response to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; co-chaired the State Department's first review of American diplomacy and development operations; and now spearheads President Barack Obama's landmark Feed the Future food security initiative. He is also leading “USAID Forward,” an extensive set of reforms to USAID's business model focusing on seven key areas, including procurement, science and technology and monitoring and evaluation.

Originally from Detroit, Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his Master's in health economics from the Wharton School of Business. He attended the London School of Economics and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

A presentation of exhibits by USAID, the State Department, Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, and the Peace Corps will be held at 2 p.m. in the School of Business and will continue after the main program.