Newswise — The University of Louisville is one of only two civilian universities in the country selected to offer an intensive seminar this year designed to broaden the strategic thinking and leadership ability of mid-career Army officers.
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Raymond Odierno launched the Strategic Broadening Program in 2012 to help officers better understand the development and impact of national security policy.
The McConnell Center will direct the UofL seminar for 30 officers June 1-28, drawing on expertise in the university’s political science, history, Chinese studies, business and Asian democracy programs to create the course and teach the soldiers, said director Gary Gregg.
“Effective leadership in the 21st century requires specific knowledge, critical thinking and the ability to consider overall strategy while executing tactical goals,” he said. “We’ll help the officers develop these skills while giving them essential information about strategic issues, regional concerns and policymaking.”
Renee Finnegan, executive director of UofL’s Office of Military Initiatives and Partnerships, said being chosen to provide the seminar is an unprecedented honor.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this effort at the Army’s highest level to help its officers see beyond the immediate horizon of their next assignment,” she said.
The University of North Carolina’s Institute for Defense and Business piloted the concept for the Strategic Broadening Program in 2012. This year, the Army selected five institutions to offer the program. UofL and North Carolina were the only civilian universities to make the cut.
The U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and the Center for Advanced Education, National Security Enterprise, in Washington, D.C. also will offer a seminar in 2014.
UofL has been named a military-friendly school five years in a row by G.I. Jobs magazine and is working in partnership with Fort Knox and the Kentucky National Guard through formal partnerships to identify and tackle issues affecting the military.
For more information, contact Gregg at 502-852-3306 or Finnegan at 502-852-2153.
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