Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Keynotes Mississippi College Scholarship Dinner

Chuck Hagel

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will deliver the keynote address at Mississippi College’s Spring 2017 scholarship dinner.

Hagel becomes the latest American leader to join a lineup of prominent speakers headlining the university’s signature event on the Clinton campus.

The program is set for the evening of April 18 at Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center. Earlier in the day, Hagel is expected to meet with students and field questions from Mississippi reporters at a news conference at the Baptist-affiliated institution. The dinner begins at 6 p.m.

A former U.S. senator from Nebraska, Hagel became the only Vietnam veteran to lead the massive Defense Department from February 2013 through February 2015.

The North Platte, Nebraska native was also the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the nation’s oldest and largest government agency. Headquartered at the Pentagon, the Defense Department consists of more than 1.3 million men and women on active duty, mostly overseas, and 742,000 civilian personnel.

As America’s 24^th Secretary of Defense, Hagel helped modernize USA partnerships and alliances, bolstered Europeans allies and advanced the rebalance in the Asia-Pacific region. The Republican was appointed to the Cabinet post by President Barack Obama, a Democrat. The Defense Secretary serves on the National Security Council and as the chief defense policy adviser to the President.

Before his election to the U.S. Senate, where Hagel served on major committees – from Senate Foreign Relations to Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs – he was president of McCarthy & Company. It is an investment banking firm based in Omaha. Hagel served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 through 2009.

Mississippi College leaders applaud Hagel’s selection as speaker at the scholarship banquets that have generated more than $2.7 million for students since 2008. Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas served as the first speaker in the MC series.

“We are delighted to welcome Secretary Hagel to Mississippi College,” President Lee Royce said. Over the years, previous speakers have included former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, publisher Steve Forbes, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. “America’s Mayor” Rudy Giuliani spoke in March 2016.

“With his vast knowledge of domestic and international issues, especially in the area of defense, Chuck Hagel should provide important insights on the world stage to hundreds of Mississippi College guests at the dinner,” Royce said.

The 2016 program at Mississippi College attracted 632 guests and raised $362,042 for student scholarships. Gov. Phil Bryant introduced former New York City Major Giuliani, and is invited to do the same for Secretary Hagel.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Ron Howard, who teaches political science classes on the Clinton campus, believes Hagel will bring much to the table when he addresses MC audiences. His public service record and proven experience in the private sector is extraordinary, he noted.

“Chuck Hagel has a distinguished record of service as a veteran of Vietnam, U.S. Senator from Nebraska, and Secretary of Defense. He is also a very successful businessman,” Howard said. “Few people know or have experienced more fully the ins and outs of American politics or international affairs.”

Hagel, 70, is well-known for his tireless dedication to veterans since his service during the Vietnam War. “Mr. Hagel was called the ordinary soldier’s Secretary of Defense,” Howard added.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Hagel to be deputy administrator of the U.S. Veterans Administration in Washington.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Hagel served as a distinguished professor at Georgetown University in Washington. He’s received honorary doctorates from such institutions as Georgetown, the College of William & Mary and Creighton University in his native Nebraska. He’s authored the book “America: Our Next Chapter” that details the enormous challenges the USA faces in the 21^st Century.

Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, have a daughter, Allyn, and son, Ziller.

For ticket information, contact Amy Rowan of the Advancement Office at 601-925-3257 or Rowan@mc.edu