Vanderbilt University Institute Of National Security

Founded in 2024, our mission is to harness Vanderbilt University's expert faculty, strategic partnerships, and interdisciplinary approach to develop leaders who address critical national security issues through education, innovation, convening and advising. Retired General Paul M. Nakasone, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service, serves as our Founding Director. Douglas Adams, Daniel F. Flowers Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, serves as our Executive Director. The Institute of National Security is housed in Vanderbilt’s renowned School of Engineering, with involvement from faculty, staff, and students across all schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Science, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, the Owen Graduate School of Management and the newly announced College of Connected Computing. Since its founding in 1873, Vanderbilt has forged a tradition of academic excellence infused with a unique spirit of collaboration and collegiality.