He has served the federal government and led a major federal agency for the past five years, but now, 35 years after departing the Hilltop as a student, Andrew Natsios (COL ’71) is coming back to teach.

The university announced this week that Natsios, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will resign his post on Jan. 12 to join the School of Foreign Service as a distinguished professor in the practice of diplomacy and advisor on international development.

“I have always had a warm place in my heart for Georgetown,” Natsios said at a press conference Friday announcing his decision, according to the USAID Web site. “To have an offer to come back and teach in the Walsh School of Foreign Service was too tempting for me.”

Jeffrey Grieco, a spokesman for USAID, said that Natsios is looking forward to raising awareness about the importance of foreign aid throughout the Georgetown campus.

“[Natsios] hopes to increase understanding about development and its linkages to diplomacy and national security, especially for an audience of foreign policy practioners and graduate students,” he said.

Grieco added that Natsios “is looking forward to engaging the next generation of

development and [non-governmental organization] leaders.”

University President John J. DeGioia said in a press release Friday that Natsios’ appointment will have a positive effect on campus by highlighting the importance of his areas of expertise.

“The appointment of Andrew Natsios is tremendous for Georgetown University as it will enable us to build on our existing efforts in international development and deepen our contribution to improving the human condition,” he said in the press release.

“His practical experience will provide invaluable learning opportunities for Georgetown students,” he added.

Natsios has worked for USAID under three Republican presidential administrations, leading the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance from 1989 to 1991 and serving as assistant administrator for the Bureau for Food and Humanitarian Assistance from 1991 to 1993, according to the USAID Web site.

A native of Massachusetts, he held a seat in Massachusetts House of Representatives for twelve years beginning in 1975, and headed the Massachusetts Republican State Committee for seven years.

Natsios delivered the commencement address for the School of Nursing and Health Studies in 2002.