Academic Convocation

Primary Mark

About the Speaker: Dr. Robert M. Gates

Robert M. Gates, President
Texas A&M University

Robert M. Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 6 November 1991 until 20 January 1993. In this position, he headed all foreign intelligence agencies of the United States and directed the Central Intelligence Agency. Dr. Gates is the only career officer in CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director.

Dr. Gates served as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at The White House from 20 January 1989 until 6 November 1991.

Dr. Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional, serving six presidents. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties.

Dr. Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

Dr. Gates is the author of a memoir, From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insider's Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War, published in 1996. Dr. Gates served as Interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University from 1999-2001. He currently is a member of the board of trustees of The Fidelity Funds, and a member of the board of directors of TRW, Inc., NACCO Industries, Inc., and Parker Drilling Company, Inc. He also serves as senior adviser or consultant to several major international firms, and is a trustee of the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Boston.

A native of Kansas, Dr. Gates received his BA degree from the College of William and Mary, his Master's degree in history from Indiana University, and his Doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University. Dr. Gates is married and has two adult children.

Former Speakers