Bush School Presents Fireside Chat With Dr. Robert Gates

The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service will host Dr. Robert Gates, former President of Texas A&M University, on Nov. 13 at 12:20 p.m.

Bush School Dean Mark Welsh will conduct a discussion of Gates’ career and lifelong dedication to public service. Prior to becoming president in 2002, Gates had served as interim dean of the Bush School. Those who wish to attend the event at Rudder Theatre are asked to RSVP as soon as possible, as seating is limited.

Gates began his public service career in 1966 when he joined the Central Intelligence Agency. He spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional, including nearly nine years at the National Security Council. At the White House, he served four presidents of both political parties. Gates served as director of central intelligence from 1991 until 1993, the only career officer in the CIA’s history to rise from entry-level employee to director. He served as deputy director of central intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser at the White House from 1989 until 1991 under President George H. W. Bush. Gates served as secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011, and is the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president — Barack Obama.

On Gates’ last day in office, Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. He has also received the National Security Medal; the Presidential Citizens Medal; the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal; and the CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, three times.

Gates is the author of three books: A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service; Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War; and From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insider’s Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War.

Gates currently is a partner in the consulting firm RiceHadleyGates LLC, along with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

Those wishing to attend this event should register online.