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Michael Battle (diplomat)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael Battle
United States Ambassador to Tanzania
Assumed office
February 27, 2023
PresidentJoe Biden
Preceded byDon J. Wright
United States Ambassador to the African Union
In office
November 2, 2009 – September 22, 2013
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byJohn A. Simon
Succeeded byReuben Brigety
Personal details
Born (1950-07-28) July 28, 1950 (age 74)
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
EducationTrinity College (BA)
Duke University (MDiv)
Howard University (DMin)
Military service
Branch/service United States Army
UnitUnited States Army Reserve

Michael A. Battle Sr. (born July 28, 1950) is an American diplomat, chaplain, and academic administrator who has been serving as United States ambassador to Tanzania since February 2023. He previously served as ambassador to the African Union from 2009 to 2013.

Early life and education

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Battle was born in St. Louis in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from Trinity College, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University.[1]

Career

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From 1976 to 1996, Battle worked as the chaplain of Hampton University. From 1996 to 1998, he was the associate vice president of Virginia State University. From 1998 to 2003, he worked as the vice president of Chicago State University. He also served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve for 20 years. In the 1990s, Battle also worked as the vice president of the American Committee on Africa (now Africa Action). From 2003 to 2009, Battle was the seventh president of the Interdenominational Theological Center.

United States ambassador to the African Union

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In 2009, Battle was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the United States ambassador to the African Union.

United States ambassador to Tanzania

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In August 2021, Battle was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as United States ambassador to Tanzania.[2][3] On May 24, 2022, hearings were held on his nomination before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On June 9, 2022, the committee favorably reported his nomination to the Senate. On December 13, 2022, Battle was confirmed in the Senate by voice vote.[4] He was sworn in on December 21, 2022,[5] and presented his credentials to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on February 27, 2023.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "The Honorable Michael A. Battle's Biography". The HistoryMakers. Retrieved 2022-01-23.
  2. ^ "Battle, Michael A. Sr". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 2022-01-23.
  3. ^ "President Biden Announces His Intent to Nominate Three Individuals to Serve as Ambassadors". The White House. 2021-08-20. Retrieved 2022-01-23.
  4. ^ "PN1055 — Michael Battle — Department of State 117th Congress (2021-2022)". US Congress. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  5. ^ "Ambassador Michael Anthony Battle, Sr". United States Department of State. 27 February 2023. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  6. ^ US Embassy Tanzania [@usembassytz] (February 27, 2023). "The new U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Battle, presented his credentials to President Samia Suluhu Hassan today at Chamwino State House in Dodoma" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-02-27 – via Twitter.
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by United States Ambassador to the African Union
2009–2013
Succeeded by
John A. Simon
Preceded by United States Ambassador to Tanzania
2023–present
Incumbent