Allen Sessoms facts for kids

Allen Lee Sessoms (born November 17, 1946) is an American scientist, diplomat, and university leader. He studied tiny particles called quarks and other subatomic particles at places like CERN and Harvard University. Mr. Sessoms worked for the United States Department of State for 12 years. He became a high-ranking diplomat, serving as the deputy ambassador in Mexico City. Later, he became the president of several universities, including Queens College, City University of New York, Delaware State University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Early Life and Education

Allen Sessoms was born on November 17, 1946. He earned his first degree in physics from Union College in 1968. He continued his studies, getting a master's degree in physics from the University of Washington in 1969. In 1972, he completed his doctorate in physics at Yale University. After his studies, he worked as a researcher at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and Fermilab. There, he focused on computer programs and how quarks are made.

Career Highlights

Mr. Sessoms has had an interesting career, working as a scientist, a diplomat, and a university president.

As a Scientist

In 1973, Allen Sessoms joined CERN, a famous research center in Europe. He worked there as a scientific associate, studying quarks and other tiny particles. While at CERN, he also became a physics professor at Harvard University.

As a Diplomat

From 1980 to 1987, Mr. Sessoms worked for the U.S. government in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. He helped protect technology. Later, he served as a science and technology advisor at the Embassy of the United States, Paris from 1987 to 1989. From 1989 to 1993, he worked at the Embassy of the United States, Mexico City. He was a political affairs counselor and then became the deputy ambassador.

As a University Leader

After his diplomatic career, Mr. Sessoms moved into university leadership. From 1993 to 1995, he was an executive vice president at the University of Massachusetts. He also oversaw academic programs.

From 1995 to 2000, he was the president of Queens College, City University of New York. During his time there, he improved academic standards. He also helped raise a lot of money from alumni and oversaw many building improvements. He also started new international programs. He left Queens College amid discussions about funding for a research center.

In 2003, Mr. Sessoms became the ninth president of Delaware State University. He served in this role until 2008. After that, he became the president of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). He left UDC in December 2012.

Awards and Honors

Allen Sessoms has received many awards for his work. He was a Ford Foundation Fellow and a Sloan Research Fellow. Both Union College and Sōka University gave him special honorary doctorates. In 1999, he won the Wilbur Lucius Cross Medal. He is also an Officier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, which is an honor from France. In 2008, he was chosen as a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Personal Life

Mr. Sessoms is skilled in languages. He can speak English, Spanish, French, and German.