Seth Bodnar President at University of Montana | Official Website
Seth Bodnar President at University of Montana | Official Website
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana has appointed Dr. Kristin Vekasi as the inaugural Mansfield Chair of Japanese and Indo-Pacific Affairs. This position, set to commence in August, was established through a $5.1 million grant from the government of Japan, honoring Mike Mansfield's legacy as the longest-serving U.S. ambassador to Japan.
Deena Mansour, executive director of the Mansfield Center, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Vekasi's appointment: “It is a great honor to recruit someone of Dr. Vekasi’s considerable expertise to create opportunities for students and professionals across the Rocky Mountain West to better engage on issues of national and economic security.”
The announcement coincides with recent developments in U.S.-Japan relations, highlighted by a meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Dr. Vekasi will leverage her expertise in global economics and geopolitics to support various stakeholders in understanding Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. Her initiatives will include new courses, research projects, and professional development opportunities aimed at preparing students for careers in both public and private sectors.
Mansour noted that Vekasi’s work would enhance multidisciplinary education in areas such as trade, security, and rural affairs related to Japanese and Indo-Pacific studies.
Currently serving at the University of Maine, Dr. Vekasi specializes in trade strategies within changing geopolitical contexts and political risk management concerning supply chains. Her research focuses on cooperation among Japan, China, and the U.S., particularly regarding essential raw materials for next-generation technologies.
Dr. Vekasi was chosen after an extensive global search process involving faculty meetings, community engagement sessions, and public presentations on critical minerals research.
“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Montana,” said Dr. Vekasi, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with the Mansfield Center on new programming related to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.
The Japanese government's grant will also fund scholarships, lectures, workshops for university members, enhancing knowledge exchange with Japanese counterparts.
Founded by Congress in 1983, the Mansfield Center honors Senator Mike Mansfield’s dedication to integrity and global understanding by fostering U.S.-Indo-Pacific engagement on vital regional issues.
Dr. Vekasi’s appointment will be celebrated this fall with community activities planned by the center.
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