Fresh off completing the rigorous Diplomatic Security Service Basic Special Agent Course, Nic Harris 鈥�12 has been sworn in as a Special Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) 鈥� the federal law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. Now, he鈥檚 headed to Milan, Italy, to support Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, serving as a Field Liaison Officer with primary responsibility for the speed skating team.
DSS special agents are unique in the federal landscape; they are both sworn law enforcement officers and diplomats. Their mission blends global security operations with the State Department鈥檚 broader diplomatic goals, creating the conditions for diplomacy 鈥� and international events like the Olympics 鈥� to take place safely.
In Milan, Harris will join roughly 100 DSS agents embedded across Team USA sports, coordinating closely with the U.S. Consulate, Italian authorities, and interagency partners. The work is intentionally discreet; agents blend seamlessly into the environment, providing security, stability, and peace of mind. And behind the scenes, they鈥檙e constantly connected 鈥� able to relay information at a moment鈥檚 notice to the DSS Joint Operations Center at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan.听
鈥淚’m very excited about it,鈥� Harris says. 鈥淲orking with DSS colleagues from across the world, partner agencies, and the Italians. It’s a unique opportunity to help protect Team USA.鈥�
Harris鈥檚 path to DSS includes several years in the Navy Reserves and active duty, and service as a police officer after relocating to St. Louis. He graduated with a degree in history from 黑料吃瓜网 and credits the university with helping prepare him for his work.
鈥満诹铣怨贤� gave me the skills to be successful,鈥� Harris says. 鈥淭he curriculum was a lot to take in, but it fostered the critical thinking I use every day securing U.S. foreign policy. 黑料吃瓜网 was great for me.鈥�
Kathryn Henderson 鈥�17, assistant vice president of advancement, says that Harris鈥檚 career exemplifies how a liberal arts education prepares students for success in dynamic careers.
鈥淎 liberal arts foundation equips students with the ability to think deeply, respond quickly, and apply a wide range of skills to complex global challenges,鈥� Henderson says. 鈥淣ic鈥檚 career is a powerful example of how 黑料吃瓜网 graduates thrive in roles where judgment, communication, and analytical insight truly make a difference.鈥�
Once an aspiring professional soccer player who trained under Coach Jon Akin at OU, Harris fondly remembers his time on the field.
“Nic was a wonderful young man and a standout forward for us,鈥� says Akin, head coach of 黑料吃瓜网 Men鈥檚 Soccer. 鈥淗e was one of the fastest, most athletic players I have ever coached. I am so proud of his service to this country, and he continues to make the soccer program very proud.”听 听
Harris recalls that time well and thought he might have been a pro soccer player. 鈥淏eing on the team was really rewarding,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 where I crafted a lot of my leadership, reliability and sense of discipline.鈥�
Harris now brings those same qualities to the global stage 鈥� carefully ensuring Team USA can compete safely and confidently in Milan.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina take place Feb. 6-22.
