Penn State Intercom......September 6, 2001

Austin nominated as ambassador
to Trinidad and Tobago

President George W. Bush on Aug. 30 announced his intention to nominate Roy L. Austin, director of the University's Africana Research Center and associate professor of justice, sociology and African-American studies, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

"Roy Austin has extensive knowledge of the histories and cultures of Caribbean nations. His longstanding ties to this region will serve him well as the next U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago," Bush said.

Austin's two-year term as director of the Africana Research Center began July 1. A member of the faculty since 1972, he specializes in criminology and has written extensively on the disparities in sentencing between black and white criminals. His research also encompasses the sociology of the Caribbean. He served as director of the administration of justice program from 1994 to 1998. During his years at the University, he has served as adviser to the Black Caucus, the Black Graduate Student Association and the Caribbean Students Association.

Austin grew up in St. Vincent, West Indies. He earned his bachelor's degree from Yale University and both his master's degree and doctorate from the University of Washington.

His nomination as ambassador must be confirmed by the Senate.

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