Charles Ahlgren
Charles Ahlgren was a Stephen Edward Scarff Memorial Visiting Professor during the first two terms of the 2001-02 academic year, teaching the courses American Diplomacy: Ethics and the National Interest and Politics of Globalization in the government department.
Ahlgren retired in 1997 after a 30-year career as a diplomat and educator in the state department. He has been a member of the faculty at several military service schools, teaching courses on national security, military and diplomatic history, Asian politics, problems of developing nations, and international trade. In addition, he served in embassies around the world, including Caracas, Venezuela; Wellington, New Zealand; Pretoria, South Africa; and Singapore. From 1986-89, he was consul general in Chiang Mai, Thailand, supervising the United States' anti-narcotics efforts in the "Golden Triangle" region of Southeast Asia.
A member of the Peace Corps in the program's infancy, Ahlgren taught at the University of Nigeria from 1962-64 before joining the state department in 1967. He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy at Loras College, a master's degree in international affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies, and a master's degree in public affairs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He has been a recipient of the Army Distinguished Civilian Service Medal and the State Department's Presidential Honor Award.
