Robert Michael Gates

Robert Michael Gates served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011. He received his B.A. from the College of William and Mary, where he currently hold the position of Chancellor. Gates went on to receive his M.A. at Indiana University (where he was recruited by the C.I.A) and Ph.D. from Georgetown University. Afterwards, Gates joined the United States Air Force before returning to the Central Intelligence Agency. Stepping a few years to serve on the National Security Council, Gates eventually became Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, Deputy National Security Advisor, and later Director of Central Intelligence. From 2002-2006, Gates then served as the President of Texas A&M, where he advanced student diversity and added 400 new faculty positions. As the U.S. Secretary of Defense under the Bush and Obama Administrations, Gates directed decisions in Iraq and other U.S. foreign policy. In 2011, Gates accepted the role as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary and as President of Boy Scout for America. Gates has shown distinguished leadership throughout his career in the fields of public service, scholarship, academic administration and service on corporate and charitable boards. Gates served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of The Fidelity Funds, the nation's largest mutual fund company, and on the board of directors of NACCO Industries, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. and Parker Drilling Company, Inc., American Council on Education, and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. He is the recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.