Richard F. Pedersen

Richard Foote Pedersen (February 21, 1925 – July 11, 2011) was a career Foreign Service Officer in the United States State Department and President of the American University in Cairo.

Early life
Pedersen was born in Miami, Arizona and served with the 44th Infantry in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. After the war, he earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from the College of the Pacific, followed by a master's degree from Stanford University and a doctorate from Harvard University.

Diplomatic career
From 1953 to 1969, Pedersen served in the U.S. delegation to the United Nations. He served at the U.N. under five ambassadors, including Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. and Adlai Stevenson. From January 23, 1969 until July 26, 1973, Pedersen served as Counselor of the United States Department of State, during the Nixon Administration. In 1970, his phones were bugged by the Nixon White House, as part of an effort to investigate leaks about the Invasion of Cambodia.

United States Ambassador to Hungary
On July 24, 1973, Pedersen was appointed United States Ambassador to Hungary, and he presented his credentials on September 10, 1973. He left the post on March 26, 1975.

American University of Cairo
From 1977 until 1990, Pedersen served as the President of the American University of Cairo, and led efforts to have the University receive full higher education accreditation. During his tenure the university expanded.

Later years and death
Pederson died in 2011 in Greenport, New York.