President, Africare, Washington, D.C.
Co-chair, Woodrow Wilson School Advisory Committee

Julius Coles was attracted to the Woodrow Wilson School’s M.P.A. program because of its reputation and the success of its graduates. Currently president of Africare, the oldest and largest African-American-led charity in the world, Julius chose to pursue an M.P.A. degree at the School because he believed it was the most appropriate degree for his chosen career in international development.

“The academic program in Development Studies provided me with an excellent knowledge of development economics and related fields, as well as the analytical skills to have a successful career in international development. It put me on my career path, which has resulted in over 40 years of working on development problems in Africa and Asia.

“The Woodrow Wilson School gave me a wonderful educational background, introduced me to development studies, and provided me with an opportunity to form friendships with a great group of students interested in helping to better mankind.

“I cannot think of a better institution to provide you with the needed academic knowledge, analytical skills, and writing skills necessary to have a successful public service career. And the quality of the professors and students far exceeded my expectations.”

Upon completing the School’s M.P.A. program, Julius joined the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Over the next 28 years, he saw duty in several Asian and African countries and worked on a range of programs, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Upon retiring from USAID in 1994, with the rank of career minister, Coles became director of the new Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. In 1997, Morehouse College recruited Coles for a similar project—to help develop its Andrew Young Center for International Affairs. He served as the center's director until 2002, when he became president of Africare. He recently was honored as the 2007 recipient of the University's James Madison Medal, presented annually to an alumnus of the Graduate School who has had a distinguished career, advanced the cause of graduate education, or achieved an outstanding record of public service.