This year's commencement speaker will be CIA Director George J. Tenet, OU President David L. Boren announced Tuesday.
"I'm very pleased that our graduates and their families will be able to hear firsthand from a national leader who has played such an important role in protecting our national security under both republican and democratic presidents," Boren said. "George Tenet is a very dedicated public servant."
Tenet managed a bipartisan staff for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for four years while then Sen. Boren was the committee chairman. In January 2002, Tenet became the first CIA director in 28 years to serve in office during two consecutive administrations under presidents from different political parties, according to a press release from the president's office.
"He's an excellent choice," said David Edger, visiting political science professor. "It's a great honor that he's coming." Edger is at OU in his second year as a participant in the CIA Officer in Residence program.
Tenet earned his bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in 1976 and his master's from the School of International Affairs at Columbia University in 1978. While working in both congressional and executive branches after college, he gained experience in intelligence issues. Eventually, he served in different positions at the National Security Council, including principal adviser to the national security adviser, according to a press release.
Over the course of his career, Tenet has advocated a budget increase for human intelligence collection in the war on terrorism. He was also one of the first to point out the threat posed by Osama bin Laden and al Qaida.
Commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
hello there & you too