As part of the Deep Dive to Diplomacy course, a central feature of the diplomacy offerings of the Keough School of Global Affairs through the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, three career diplomats will come to Notre Dame over the course of the spring 2026 semester to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Kent Logsdon, former US ambassador to Moldova (2022–24), will be in residence from February 16–27. Then Mark Gitenstein, former US ambassador to Romania (2009-2012) and to the European Union (2022–25), will return for his second stay from March 16–27. Finally, Maria-Pia Kothbauer (Princess Maria-Pia of Liechtenstein), the former ambassador of Liechtenstein to Austria and the Czech Republic, will visit from March 27 to April 10.
Kent Logsdon, a Notre Dame alumnus, has served with the US Department of State for more than 34 years. In that time, he has primarily been stationed within Europe and Eurasia. Notably, he served as chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Berlin, Germany, from January 2017 to May 2018 before being named US ambassador to Moldova in 2022.
He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with students in class and during mentorship sessions. During his stay, he will offer a public lecture on February 24, 2026, 12:30–1:45 p.m. This lecture will also serve as a time of commemoration, recognizing four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Mark Gitenstein has served as the US ambassador to Romania (2009–12) and to the EU (2022–25). Before becoming a diplomat, he was also a successful attorney and partner at Mayer Brown, as well as an award-winning nonfiction writer. During the spring semester of 2025, he served as a diplomat in residence, mentoring students, teaching classes, and presenting a Nanovic Forum and Democracy Initiative co-sponsored lecture on “The Future of Democracy in Europe.” He has continued to collaborate with the Nanovic Institute on developing its diplomacy offerings and facilitating a student internship placement; his valued perspective will be welcomed during his second residency.
Her Serene Highness Princess Maria-Pia (Maria-Pia Kothbauer) is a member of the Princely family in Liechtenstein and a career diplomat. In addition to her ambassadorial roles, she served as Liechtenstein’s permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Previously, she served as the ambassador of Liechtenstein to Belgium and the EU. Her international experience also includes roles with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Caritas. Princess Maria-Pia will also join students to share insights from her diplomatic career.
Speaking on the diplomat in residence program, Clemens Sedmak, professor of social ethics at the Keough School and the director of the Nanovic Institute, said, “This program needs to earn its name ‘Deep Dive into Diplomacy’ every spring semester; we are grateful for the credibility of the diplomacy initiative brought to campus by distinguished diplomats who have done the practical work of diplomacy for many years; their deep experience makes for ‘the deep dive.’ The willingness of our diplomats in residence to come to campus and speak to students directly has been incredibly valuable to help our students see the ins and outs of a career in foreign service, as well as perspectives that can inform other career paths. The one-to-one aspect of the mentorship these residences have allowed has been especially appreciated by the students, and I am grateful to our esteemed visitors for their generosity in giving time and sharing their wisdom.”
The Deep Dive into Diplomacy course, offered since 2022, is a multi-faceted experience that includes guest lecturers, mentorship from diplomats in residence, and an immersion trip to Europe over spring break. Students must apply through a competitive process each fall to join the course, which stands at the center of a developing diplomacy curriculum. This year marks the third year the program has expanded to include diplomats in residence; Catherine Arnold OBE, who previously served as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Mongolia, was the first in the spring semester of 2024.
More details on further diplomacy-related academic opportunities will be shared in the near future. In addition to these programs from the Nanovic Institute, the Keough School has also engaged with diplomacy through inviting distinguished visiting professors of the practice, including Ambassador Derek Mitchell (2025-26) and Ambassador Joe Donnelly (2024-25).