Within our faculty we have had significant changes. The last of our original “plank holders” retired just prior to the start of the school year, Dr. Bard O’Neill retired after 36 years of dedicated service to our college and his country. Stepping up behind our distinguished professor is a young generation of superb scholars who I know will continue our tradition of excellence in the classroom. Another change to our organization was the recruitment of our first civilian Dean of Faculty, Dr. John Ballard. His previous teaching positions have included: Academic Dean at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, Professor of National Security Studies at the National War College, Professor of Joint Military Operations at the Naval War College, Foundation Professor and Chair of Defence Studies at New Zealand’s Massey University, and Professor of History and Strategy at the Joint Forces Staff College. He is a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and earned his doctorate from Catholic University. A retired Marine and a combat veteran of the Iraq War, Dean Ballard commanded at the battalion and group levels and has served on Service, Joint Task Force and Unified Command staffs. He is the author of five books and has published many articles in professional journals. Armed with a tremendous resume of experience for this key leadership role, it is no wonder why he was selected to lead our wonderful institution.
This year is a real challenge for us fiscally as you may know. Budget reductions across the Department of Defense loom and NDU is being directed to provide its fair share. As you would suspect, NWC must contribute its fair share. We are working to preserve our core programs and try to mitigate any detrimental effects to our overall program. I have all the confidence that we will be successful in preserving what is near and dear to us as an institution.
Last but not least, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how pleased we are to have Gene Russell to handle the Alumni Association activities in Roosevelt Hall. His drive and initiative is tremendous and he has energized everyone in the building. We cannot say thank you enough for his generosity and genuine support to ensure that NWC remains the premier College within the Department of Defense. He is but a reflection of you, our wonderful alumni who continue to contribute day-in and day-out to our beloved college. To Gene and to all of you, the NWC Alumni thank you for your continued support.
Rear Admiral Douglas J. McAneny
Commandant