University of North Texas 
DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas proudly announced the establishment of its National Security and Economic Strategy Initiative, a groundbreaking effort aimed at helping address increasingly complex challenges
at the critical intersection of national security, economic competitiveness, and global
supply chain resilience.
The initiative officially launched this month at its inaugural summit, which brought
together regional, national, and international thought leaders and decisionmakers
dedicated to powering our economy and protecting our national security through public-private
collaboration and innovation in advanced technologies, strengthening infrastructure,
enhancing supply chain resilience, wise investment, and sound economic policy.
“We had an incredible first summit, and we are excited about the future of our new
National Security and Economic Strategy Initiative,” said UNT President Harrison Keller,
Ph.D. “Our vision is to prepare young leaders to lead the way in national and economic
security, give executives the tools they need to maximize their contributions, and
support industry, government and military institutions with the data, analysis, research,
insights and recommendations needed to implement better policies and decisions.
“I am grateful for the immediate response to our efforts, and I am honored to have
the support of our amazing partners in this initiative.”
A Presidential Advisory Council, chaired by former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, provides strategic oversight
and guidance for the initiative. The council also includes Vice Chairman of Hillwood
Darcy Anderson, the Honorable former Undersecretary of Education Sara Martinez Tucker,
Admiral Michael Mullen, USN, Ret., General David H. Petraeus, U.S.A., Ret., and G.
Brint Ryan, CEO of Ryan LLC.
“The need for a program like the NSESI has never been greater,” England said. “The
challenges we face require greater public-private collaboration, rapid innovation,
and strong economic policy. I’m honored to help lead this effort and look forward
to the contributions this institution will make.”
The May summit explored critical topics.
“The discourse in national security is saturated with coastal insiders, offering old
solutions. The University of North Texas, with its new National Security and Economic
Strategy Initiative is offering a fresh perspective with real solutions from the whole country.
They are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with,” said One Defense Managing
Partner Stephen Rodriguez, who also is leading the initiative’s Executive Steering
Group.
The leaders who attended the summit helped play a pivotal role in setting a solid
foundation for UNT's initiative.
“I’m incredibly excited to be part of UNT’s National Security and Economic Strategy
Summit,” U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions said. “The gathering of top national and international
leaders creates a powerful opportunity for thought leadership and meaningful partnerships
that will help bolster America’s defense and economic strength.”
The discussions at the summit were extremely timely and insightful, said Major General
Annette Sobel, (Ret.), M.D., M.S.
“National Security is about controlling critical infrastructure and understanding
vulnerabilities. Border security and the economy are paramount, not only in the United
States but globally,” Sobel said.
Summit highlights included the presentation of the Raduege Award to Major General
Clint Crosier, U.S. Space Force, Ret., in recognition of his groundbreaking efforts
to accelerate technological innovation in national defense. The award will be presented
by Lt. General Harry Raduege, U.S.A.F., Ret., for whom the honor is named.
“Maj Gen Crosier’s work in leveraging the private sector to bring critical capabilities
to warfighters more quickly has been nothing short of remarkable,” Raduege said. “It
is an honor to recognize his contributions during this historic summit.”
The launch of the initiative marks a major step forward in UNT’s commitment to innovation,
public service, and strategic leadership. With an ambitious vision to support national
readiness and economic resilience, the center will serve as a hub for research, education,
and policy insight for years to come.
Learn more about the initiative.