09/23/2026
A Historic Milestone: First Convocation at the National Intelligence College 🏛️
The National Intelligence College welcomed its first academic class as part of the National Defense University during its inaugural convocation on August 24.
NDU President Vice Admiral Peter Garvin joined NIC students, faculty, staff, and guests from across the Intelligence Community to mark the occasion. He emphasized in his remarks to the audience that: “Integrating the National Intelligence College into this University is not just an administrative shift. It is a strategic necessity.” Vice Admiral Garvin spoke directly to the new students and explained that: “You provide the ultimate warfighting advantage. In simple terms: you bring clarity to complexity.”
Deputy Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security Justin Overbaugh delivered the keynote address to NIC’s inaugural class. He underscored the vital importance of intelligence integration and collaboration across the Intelligence Enterprise. In his remarks, Deputy Under Secretary Overbaugh highlighted how bringing together professionals from across the intelligence community drives integrated capabilities, shares critical perspectives, and strengthens collective understanding to address tomorrow’s complex national security challenges, noting that "the relationships you forge in these hallways will be the very lifelines you call upon five, ten, or fifteen years from now when the nation faces its darkest hours."
NIC became NDU’s sixth college earlier this year. The College provides graduate and professional education in strategic intelligence, science and technology intelligence, and intelligence studies, bringing together professionals from across the Intelligence Enterprise to learn from one another and prepare for complex national security challenges.
As NDU celebrates its 50th anniversary, NIC’s inaugural class is beginning a historic chapter of its own. 🎓
NIC’s academic programs advance NDU’s mission to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the Nation.
Congratulations to the first class of the National Intelligence College! What advice would you give these students as they begin their year at NDU? Share it below. 👇