Michael Young

At a glance

Michael K. Young is a legal academic and former university president with earlier State Department legal and economic-affairs experience. His September 2026 Senate statement connects that public-service and university background to the proposed U.S. ambassadorship in Serbia.

Summary sources: [1] [3]

Career and documented accomplishments

• His 2010 Utah Law Review biography records leadership at the University of Utah from 2004 and service as dean of George Washington's law school from 1998 to 2004. [1]
• The same dated biography lists Columbia University teaching and research-center leadership from 1978 to 1998, including Japanese law and legal institutions. [1]
• It records earlier State Department service as Deputy Legal Adviser, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic and Agricultural Affairs, and Ambassador for Trade and Environmental Affairs. [1]
• A June 28, 2017 article published by Texas A&M identifies Young as its university president and discusses its teaching, research, and service mission. [2]

Role and nomination context

• In his September 17, 2026 testimony as the Serbia nominee, Young identified protection of U.S. citizens and embassy personnel, security cooperation, and economic engagement as intended priorities if confirmed. [3]

Sources and review date

Career and role sources reviewed Oct 14, 2026. These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.

1. Utah Law Review 2010, Michael K. Young author biography, page 81 (PDF)

   University of Utah. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

2. President Young: Aggies' Commitment to Academic Excellence, June 28, 2017

   Texas A&M University. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

3. Michael K. Young prepared testimony, September 17, 2026

   Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.