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Snapshots: The 2026 Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership

Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel discussed Iran, public service, and courage in leadership at the eighth annual forum.

  • published: 2026/04/03
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

➡️ What’s new: Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines delivered keynote remarks at the eighth annual Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership on April 1 at UNO’s Strauss Performing Arts Center. The event featured a moderated discussion between Haines and former U.S. Secretary of Defense and UNO alumnus Chuck Hagel, with questions led by UNO Political Science Professor Jody Neathery-Castro, Ph.D.

💡 Why it matters:

  • Hosted in partnership with the Atlantic Council, the forum connects the UNO community with global leaders shaping policy and international affairs.
  • The annual event brings critical global conversations to campus, giving students, faculty, and the public direct access to insights on national security, diplomacy, and leadership in an increasingly complex world.

🔎 Zoom in: Topics covered during keynote remarks and moderated discussion included:

  • The latest developments in the war with Iran
  • Aspiring to America’s founding principles
  • What it means to be a public servant
  • The world’s perception of the U.S. as a strategic asset
  • Concerns over the growing number of armed conflicts around the world
  • The importance of mentors on the pathway to leadership

⚡️Catch up quick: The Chuck Hagel Forum has hosted prominent national and global leaders since its launch, including:

  • Former President Joe Biden (2019)
  • Former Secretary of State John Kerry (2020)
  • Former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge (2021)
  • Former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano (2022)
  • Former Wall Street Journal Executive Editor Gerald F. Seib (2023)
  • Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (2024)
  • Retired Admiral John Kirby (2025)

🌐 About the Atlantic Council: Based in Washington, D.C., the Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan organization that galvanizes US leadership and engagement in the world, in partnership with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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