(VNF) - Outgoing US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius will become vice chairman of the Fulbright Vietnam University. His work will start in February 2018.

“We are thrilled that Ambassador Osius will stay in Vietnam and join FUV as our vice president,” said Dam Bich Thuy, the president of FUV.

“Over the three years that Ted has served as the American ambassador to Vietnam, he has earned the respect and affection of countless Vietnamese, who admire his palpable energy, enthusiasm, and love for the people, culture, and language of Vietnam. His contributions to the relationship between Vietnam and the US are myriad.” she added.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius (left) and chairman of Fulbright Vietnam University Dam Bich Thuy. Photo by VOA

Ambassador Osius served as the American ambassador to Vietnam from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, the bilateral relationship strengthened and deepened in areas including trade and investment, education, and security.

He will also serve as the founding director of FUV’s Grand Challenges Initiative, through which FUV will engage with some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Vietnam, the region, and the world.

“I am delighted to be joining the Fulbright University Vietnam team,” said Ambassador Osius. “I have always had a passionate interest in education, and have relished the opportunities I have had during my career as a diplomat to teach and mentor," said Ambassador Osius.

Ambassador Osius will officially start work at FUV on January 2, 2018.

In June this year, the Ho Chi Minh City-based Fulbright Vietnam University received USD7.2 million in assistance from the USAID and another USD8.3 million in assistance from the US State Department./.

( VNF )