Benjamin Ladner’s significant impact in the field of education has been equaled by his contributions to society as a whole. Viewed as an outstanding educational leader in the U.S. and abroad, he has also been recognized as a mediator between countries for peaceful understanding. Under the rubric of “academic diplomacy” he has utilized a unique bled of skills to improve international relations among heads of state, ministers of government, corporate heads and academic leaders. He has established ties, assisted institution building, developed joint programs, evaluated resources and institutions, advised leaders, and negotiated differences with such countries as Cuba, China, Qatar, the Palestinian Territories, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, to name a few. Ladner also led a series of face-to-face talks in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Washington between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. And he was instrumental in helping to secure the release of individuals jailed for human rights activities in Burma, China, and the Palestinian Territories. He has appeared frequently on national television networks in the U.S. (CNN, NBC, Jim Lehrer News Hour, etc.) and abroad (South Korea, Turkey, Japan, etc.).
