Andrew Kelleher, political science and international relations senior, has been named a 2025 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship recipient. The Rangel Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Kelleher is the first University of Iowa student to be named a Rangel Fellow.
The program selects 45 fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. As part of the Rangel Program, Kelleher will work for a Member of Congress on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2025. In the summer of 2026, the U.S. Department of State will send him overseas to work in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience with U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of the program, Kelleher will become a U.S. diplomat in summer 2027, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country. He will work to promote peace, prosperity, and human dignity around the world.
Rangel Fellows are committed to serving their country and promoting positive change globally. These aspects appealed to Kelleher’s career and personal goals. His professional background in Christian ministry and economic development showed him the power of bringing people together to create mutually beneficial solutions to complex problems. “Whenever my community lacked the resources or capacity to implement positive change, I always expanded my collaborations to wider pools of people, whether that meant countywide, regional, or statewide partnerships,” said Kelleher.
“After working to promote economic growth in my community for five years, I chose to pivot my career toward international diplomacy to help more people through global cooperation. I enrolled at the University of Iowa to take advantage of the best Political Science program in Iowa. I have been able to build an incredible foundation for my diplomatic career through activities like conducting research with Professor Nicholas Martini and studying under Ambassador Ronald McMullen.”
His journey has now led him to the Rangel Fellowship, and he is excited to prepare for his career in diplomacy. “The Rangel Fellowship will help me deepen my understanding of foreign policy and make me a stronger diplomat,” said Kelleher. “I am grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of State as I pursue global public service.”
Begun in 2003, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program is a U.S. Department of State program that aims to enhance the excellence of the U.S. Foreign Service by supporting outstanding students each year from around the country who exhibit the ideal qualities of a Foreign Service Officer. More information can be found online at www.rangelprogram.org.
