Charles Town, W. Va., April 10, 2018 —American Public University System (APUS) today announced that General Michael Hayden (USAF-ret), principal of global advisory firm the Chertoff Group, will present the keynote address at its 2018 commencement. The graduate and undergraduate ceremonies are scheduled for June 2 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, at the Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor, MD.
A 41-year veteran of the US Air Force, Gen. Hayden served as director of the National Security and Central Intelligence Agencies under Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama. In 2005, then-Lt. Gen. Hayden was appointed the nation’s first principal deputy director of national intelligence and awarded his fourth star, making him the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces. He also served as commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, and in senior staff positions at the Pentagon, US European Command, National Security Council and US Embassy in Bulgaria. In addition, he was deputy chief of staff for the United Nations Command and US Forces in South Korea.
“Gen. Hayden has been on the frontline of international change and has a unique understanding of its related political, economic, and security implications,” said APUS President and CEO Dr. Wallace E. Boston. “This perspective truly aligns with our core mission to educate and prepare our nation’s military and public service communities for service and leadership in a diverse, global society.”
Gen. Hayden serves on a variety of boards and consultancies and is a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University’s School of Policy and Government. He was the first recipient of the Helms Award presented by the CIA Officers’ Memorial Foundation, and was also recognized by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance with its annual William Oliver Baker Award. In addition, he has received three Defense Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star.
Gen. Hayden earned a B.A. in history from Duquesne University and, after his commission as a second lieutenant, attended graduate school at Duquesne for an M.A. in modern American history.
