In addition to Pakistan, Toney has held assignments as the senior human resources officer for the American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and as a management officer in Basrah, Iraq.
The U.S. Department of State assigns experienced foreign service officers as Diplomats in Residence to colleges and universities throughout the country with the primary goal to serve as a resource for students considering foreign service careers.
"FAMU...has graciously hosted the State Diplomat in Residence for a number of years," Toney said. "I’m honored to be a housed with this dynamic team and incredible institution of higher education."
Toney arrived in Tallahassee in October and since that time has been becoming familiar with the city, learning about FAMU and collaborating with campus leaders to help identify candidates for careers within the State Department.
"We want to recruit a diverse and talented pool of dedicated candidates to consider joining the State Department. Recruiting U.S. military veterans is also key. Most urgently needed are graduates in information technology, family nurse practitioners, diplomatic security agents, facility managers, and construction engineers," he said.
Toney indicated successful candidates will possess a well-rounded education as well as strong character. Potential candidates must also demonstrate strengths in the "13 dimensions essential to the work of diplomats," which include, but are not limited to, composure, cultural adaptability, initiative and leadership, and objectivity and integrity.