Mary Mel French, a 1985 graduate of UALR and recipient of the 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award, has published a new book on diplomatic etiquette, considered the most up-to-date and user-friendly guide to diplomatic protocol.

Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed French as chief of protocol during his administration, wrote a foreword for the book.

French will be speaking and signing books from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at the Clinton Presidential Center.

French, who earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies at UALR, held the title of ambassador during her stint as chief of protocol, working directly with the President and secretary of state during visits to Washington by foreign heads of state and other officials.

Ken Duberstein, former chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan, said the new guide was “wonderfully entertaining and informative.” He said it provides the ins and outs of the Capitol at its most elegant moments.

“It goes behind the curtains of official Washington,” Duberstein said. “It is not a ‘kiss and tell’ but a ‘this is how it’s done’ book.”