UNF alum excels as a foreign service officer

Foreign Service Officer Jack Bisase's career has afforded him opportunities to travel the world and effect positive change in the lives of others. Since joining the U.S. Department of State nearly a decade ago, the University of North Florida alum has held posts in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic), South Asia (Laos) and more.  

Today, Bisase works for the State Department as a Public Diplomacy (PD) Desk Officer for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In this role, he supports Public Diplomacy Officers in the field with operating and promoting programs and helps them acquire necessary resources to fulfill their jobs. He assists with many facets of diplomacy from educational and cultural exchanges to sports diplomacy. Simply put, he effectively transmits communications between field officers and the greater bureaucracy to ensure all parties are meeting objectives. 

Bisase says making a difference in people’s lives is what he truly loves about his work. 

“It’s a really great career,” said Bisase. “U.S. foreign policy is about improving conditions for people around the world.” 

Although he maintains a busy schedule, the proud Osprey has made time throughout the years to return to UNF and speak with students about his journey and offer encouragement to those seeking careers in international affairs. In March, he returned to campus to participate as a panelist for UNF’s Diverse Perspective Series event, “Cold War II? Challenges in American Diplomacy,” which was hosted by the Office of Public Policy Events. 

Early years and love of music 

Growing up, Jack Bisase developed a love of music and believed he was destined for a career in the performing arts. He says he was drawn to music because of his family — many of whom sing and perform. 

The son of Ugandan immigrants, he was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and his family moved to Jacksonville when he was four. He graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where he was a part of the music program playing the tuba in the symphonic band. After graduating high school in 1999, he enrolled in UNF’s School of Music to study classical voice — realizing he was a better singer than a tuba player.  

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery 

After a few years at UNF, a career in performing arts no longer appealed to him. At a crossroads, he withdrew from college and embarked on a journey of self-discovery that eventually led him to a fulfilling and successful career as a foreign service officer currently based in Washington, D.C. 

Over the next several years, Bisase held multiple jobs trying to determine how he could best utilize his people skills to make a living. During this time, he also became more politically conscious and started paying attention to then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama, noticing similarities in their backgrounds. He began to read some of Obama’s books, which introduced him to the world of politics and international relations. Through this experience, Bisase says he began to wonder if there were degrees available in the disciplines in which he read about. While researching, he discovered UNF’s International Studies Program and re-enrolled at UNF in 2009 to major in international affairs.  

Discovering a passion for foreign service 

While enrolled in the program, he met Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, faculty administrator in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. He credits her for helping him discover a career path in international affairs.  

“She [Soderberg] was the key for me,” said Bisase. “She was the one who showed me there’s a path; that it was possible.” 

Soderberg recalls Bisase as a hard-working standout student and a quicker learner. She also credits him for his continued efforts to mentor current UNF students interested in politics and international affairs. 

“Jack exudes enthusiasm and I immediately saw the potential in him as a leader,” said Soderberg. “He is smart, curious about the world and a hard worker.” 

While taking a course with Dr. Pam Zeiser, professor of international relations and affairs, he first learned about careers in foreign service. 

“Once I saw a path to do foreign service, I seized it and never looked back,” he said. 

After graduating UNF in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and affairs, he took Soderberg’s advice and headed to Washington, D.C., to earn a master’s degree. In 2015, he graduated from American University with a M.A. in International Relations. 

Joining the United States Department of State 

In 2015, Bisase joined the U.S. Department of State. His first assignment was working as a visa officer in the Dominican Republic, charged with interviewing Dominicans looking to immigrate to the U.S. As part of his training, he spent six months in a Spanish language program to become proficient in the language.  

For his next assignment in 2019, he served as a Public Diplomacy Officer in Laos, a small country in Southeast Asia. Bisase recalls Laos closing its borders at the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed its occupants to continue enjoying in-person interactions, unlike many other countries throughout the world. 

In 2021, he returned to Washington D.C. and began supporting the U.S. United Nations (UN) Mission in Rome as a Food Security Officer tasked with advancing U.S. food security objectives in the UN system through the World Food Organization, the Food and Agricultural Organization and other agencies. 

In July 2023, he began his current position as a PD Desk Officer for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. 

Enjoying a rewarding career and giving back 

Bisase says he enjoys his career in foreign service because of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people throughout the world. He has also found opportunities to incorporate music in his foreign service — including singing and performing at embassies and events throughout the world. On a personal level, his travels have allowed him to experience many cultures, learn new languages and help others realize their dreams of coming to the U.S. to earn an education. 

During his recent visit to Jacksonville in March, he spoke to students at UNF and other area schools about careers in the federal government. He says he enjoys speaking to students as it is his way of helping them just as Soderberg once helped him. 

“You need someone to show you there’s a path,” said Bisase. “That’s how I made it and that’s why I feel passionate about coming back to UNF and speaking to students.”