Francis Orlando Wilcox was born in Columbus Junction, Iowa, on April 9, 1908. He attended the University of Iowa, receiving an A.B. in 1930, his A.M. in 1931, and his Ph.D. in 1933. He also earned the degree of Doctor es Sciences Politiques from the University of Geneva, in 1935. From 1935 to 1941 he taught political science at various universities, including the Universities of Iowa, Louisville, Michigan, and Chicago. In 1947, Wilcox became the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's first chief of staff, a position he held until 1955. He guided the committee's consideration of such major foreign policy initiatives as the Marshall Plan and the creation of NATO. From 1955 to 1961 he served as assistant secretary of state and had a primary responsibility for U.S. participation in the United Nations. He was also the author of many books and articles on international affairs. Francis O. Wilcox died on February 20, 1985. He was survived by his widow, Virginia, and their son and daughter.