Jim Jones to speak at OSU for Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship

Friday, September 19, 2014

Former United States Ambassador to Mexico Jim Jones will speak at Oklahoma State University September 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Wes Watkins Center as part of the Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship.

Ambassador Jones served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 1993-1997, and he is currently the chairman at ManattJones Global Strategies in Washington, D.C. His practice is focused on international trade, investment and commerce, business-government relations and financial services. 

A native of Muskogee, Jones is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1973-1987. During that time, he served as chairman of the Budget Committee and was a ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee.Ambassador Jones' public service career began at the White House at age 25. At age 28, he became President Lyndon Johnson's final Appointments Secretary/Chief of Staff. 

The event is free to the public. Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are invited to attend. Faculty members are encouraged to invite their classes as well.

“We are excited about Jim coming, and we are looking forward to hearing from him,” said David Henneberry, associate vice president for the Division of International Studies and Outreach.

The Wes Watkins Lectureship was established in 1986 and is an endowed lectureship honoring former U.S. Representative Wes Watkins. The lectureship series is designed to assist and encourage Oklahoma business owners in developing and expanding their economic opportunities. Students and community members also stand to benefit from the knowledge and diversity provided by the lecturers. Congressman Watkins, an OSU graduate, is committed to outreach, international trade and the economic development of Oklahoma and the nation.