Ambassador J. Steven Rhodes
Former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe · Reagan & Bush White House aide
A Reagan White House aide and career diplomat, now mentoring Eureka students as a Visiting Reagan Fellow.
From Eureka College to the world stage
Ambassador J. Steven Rhodes began his career in the Reagan White House as Special Assistant to President Reagan for Intergovernmental Affairs, then served as Chief Domestic Advisor to Vice President George Bush.
Nominated by President Bush, he became U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, where he managed a 110-person embassy team, negotiated the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Agreement, and established the Peace Corps in the country. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine and a BBA from Loyola University, Los Angeles.
Quick facts
- Role
- Visiting Reagan Fellow
- White House
- Aide to President Reagan & Vice President Bush
- Ambassador
- U.S. Envoy to Zimbabwe
- Education
- Loyola Marymount BBA · Pepperdine MBA
A partnership that keeps growing
As a Visiting Reagan Fellow, Ambassador Rhodes mentors students, guest-teaches, and speaks on leadership, diplomacy, and public service across campus.
Moments with President Reagan, told by the Ambassador
Tap any photo to view it full screen.
After an Economic Recovery Plan Meeting
“We were leaving the East Room of the White House with President Reagan and Vice President Bush. We had an event with mayors, and we were working on securing support for the President’s economic recovery plan. This is in the first year of the administration.”
Meeting with Leadership of the National Association of Counties
“This meeting was held for the leadership of the National Association of Counties. There are over 3,000 counties in the United States. They are responsible for delivering healthcare, and they administer the Medicaid program throughout the country.
Rich Williamson, Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, is to the President’s right and Harriet Wieder is to his left. Harriet was from Huntington Beach, California, a Republican and a big supporter of the President. Next to me is Alan Holmer, who was Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs. ”
Signing of the Martin Luther King Holiday Bill
“The signing was unique because the working group handling the legislation recommended the President not sign it. At the time, I was Chief Domestic Policy Advisor on the Vice President’s staff. Lee Atwater told me of the working group’s recommendation. Vice President George Bush, Michael K. Deaver and I went into the President’s office and explained why he should sign the bill.
When the President told me he would sign it, Mike Deaver assigned me to be the action officer for the event. Typically, an Assistant to the President handled these events and I wasn’t on his staff. Mike made me responsible because I had taken it upon myself to brief the President and explain why he should sign the bill.
That had never happened before in the history of the White House. ”
Securing Support for the President's Economic Recovery Plan
“This is a meeting of mayors and local elected officials in the Cabinet Room. We are securing support for the President’s economic recovery plan. I am sitting at the far end of the table. Next to President Reagan is Mayor Ferd Harrison from Scotland Neck, North Carolina along with other locally elected officials.”
Meet the Ambassador
Members and students connect with Ambassador Rhodes through Fellows events and campus talks.
The legacy runs through all three.
