In March of 2006, with the support of General Colin Powell, USA (Ret), the NDU Foundation established the Chair for National Security, Leadership, Character and Ethics. The purpose of the Chair is to share the expertise and wisdom of a leader who has experience making decisions at the highest levels of government with the students, faculty, staff, and international partners of the University. The Chair is aptly named to honor one of the great leaders in recent American history -‐ the Honorable Colin Powell, the 65th Secretary of State, former National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Commander of the US Army Forces Command.
“I came here to study war, and while I learned about war, I learned even more about the importance of finding peace.”
- Gen Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
General Peter Pace, USMC (Ret) currently holds the Colin Powell Chair for National Security Leadership, Character and Ethics at National Defense University.
General Pace was sworn in as sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sep. 30, 2005. In this capacity, he served as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served four years as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace holds the distinction of being the first Marine to have served in either of these positions. General Peter Pace retired from active duty on October 1, 2007, after more than 40 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. In June, 2008, General Pace was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor a President can bestow.
“Your integrity is sacrosanct. It is who you are. Never let anyone step on your integrity - that's absolutely where you must stand solid.”
- Gen Peter Pace