Susan D. Page

Susan D. Page serves as Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan Law School, leveraging decades of high-level diplomatic experience in international law and governance. Her career spans critical roles including the first U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, UN Assistant Secretary-General in Haiti, and senior State Department positions focused on African affairs and rule of law initiatives.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Arts with high distinction in English from the University of Michigan
• Juris Doctor from Harvard University

Professor Page's research centers on the intersection of international law, human rights, and African political systems, with deep expertise in post-conflict statebuilding and diplomatic negotiation. Her work examines how rule of law frameworks operate in fragile states, particularly through her leadership in Sudan's peace process that created South Sudan and her UN justice reforms in Haiti. She actively connects race theory to international legal structures while analyzing diplomatic strategies for crisis resolution in the Global South.

Her distinguished honors include:

• Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service
• Commendation for Outstanding Service to the Sudan Peace Process
• Meritorious Honor Award for rule of law advancement in Africa's Great Lakes region
• Rotary International Postgraduate Fellowship for Nepal women's rights research
• University of St. Andrews certificates of merit and distinction
• Election as Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration

Throughout her career, Page has directed major international initiatives including the UN's Rule of Law and Corrections Advisory Unit in Sudan and the Security Governance Initiative for Ghana, demonstrating sustained grant-funded program leadership. Her advisory impact extends through mentorship in diplomatic training programs and policy development for organizations like the National Democratic Institute, where she served as Regional Director for Southern and East Africa.