Anderson, Ind. — On Jan. 18, John Brennan, former director of the CIA, will be speaking at Anderson University. Brennan will provide an address at an open forum from 7-8:30 p.m. in York Performance Hall, following a meeting with Anderson University students majoring in national security studies. The open forum is free and open to the public.John O. Brennan served as Director of CIA (2013-2017) and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. During his first stint at CIA (1980-2005), he was the daily intelligence briefer to President Clinton, Chief of Station in the Middle East, Deputy Executive Director, and the first Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Brennan has a BA from Fordham University and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied at the American University in Cairo (1975-76).
“We are looking forward to hearing about Brennan’s experiences in the CIA and in the fields of national security and cybersecurity,” said AU President John S. Pistole. “His time on campus will be a valuable opportunity for all of us to learn, and to further educate our students for a life of faith and service.”
The Anderson University National Security Studies Fellows is responsible for bringing Brennan to campus. The National Security Studies Fellows connects students to professionals with current or recent experience in national security who visit campus, network with students, and provide insight to classroom study. Past speakers include Robert Mueller, former director of the FBI, and Eric Holder, former U.S. attorney general.
Later this semester, the Fellows will host Matt Olsen, former director of National Counterterrorism (2011-14) on Feb. 14 and James Clapper, former director of National Intelligence (2010-17) on March 28.
The Security Studies program will also open a new situation room this semester. The room will give students the opportunity to respond to mock crises, and a video conferencing setup will allow more opportunities to hear from experts in the field. “It’s one thing to write a memo or read about a situation, but to be involved as it’s unfolding really gives students important skills,” said Dr. Michael Frank, professor of political science.
