Retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly to Speak at Norwich University's Todd Lecture Series
Retired Four-Star Marine General to Address Cadets and Public on Leadership and Governance
General John F. Kelly, a retired four-star Marine Corps general who served as White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, will speak at Norwich University on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as part of the institution’s prestigious Todd Lecture Series. The free public lecture will take place at 7:00 PM in Mack Hall Auditorium.
The event comes at a moment when Kelly has become increasingly vocal about his concerns regarding democratic norms and executive authority. Just two weeks before his Norwich appearance, Kelly filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of Defense on January 28, 2026, characterizing the legal action as a defense of veterans’ rights and American democracy.
A 45-Year Military Career
Kelly’s military service spans more than four decades, beginning when he enlisted as an infantryman in 1970. After serving as an enlisted Marine and reaching the rank of sergeant, he was commissioned as an officer in 1976.
His career included combat deployments to Iraq, where he served as a brigadier general and later as a major general during the height of counter-insurgency operations in Al Anbar province. From 2012 to 2016, Kelly commanded U.S. Southern Command, overseeing military operations across Latin America and the Caribbean, where he focused on transnational crime, drug trafficking, and migration issues.
From Pentagon to White House
In 2017, Kelly transitioned to civilian leadership as the fifth Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing agencies ranging from the Coast Guard to Customs and Border Protection. Six months later, he was appointed White House Chief of Staff, a position widely regarded as one of the most demanding administrative roles in government.
Kelly’s time in the White House has become the subject of significant public attention. In recent media appearances, he has been outspoken about what he describes as authoritarian tendencies in political leadership. In interviews with PBS NewsHour, Kelly has discussed his observations from inside the executive branch and warned about the erosion of democratic norms.
The Todd Lecture Series
The Norwich appearance is part of the Todd Lecture Series, which since 2008 has brought prominent speakers to campus to challenge students with diverse perspectives on global affairs. The series is named for Major General W. Russell Todd, a 1950 Norwich graduate who later served as university president, and is funded by the Drew Foundation, which ensures the lectures remain free and open to the public.
Previous speakers have included varied voices across fields. In 2024, the series featured Dr. Nicola Fox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, who discussed space exploration and STEM careers.
Kelly’s Current Message
According to his speaking agency, Kelly’s presentations in 2026 focus on what he calls the distinction between “governance” and “politics”—defining governance as mission-centered management for the public good, versus politics as the pursuit of specific agendas with varied outcomes. He emphasizes leadership principles developed over his Marine Corps career, including clear vision, care for subordinates, and what he describes as leadership that doesn’t rely on “volume or intimidation.”
His recent schedule has been active. On January 14, he appeared at an exclusive veterans’ luncheon in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he discussed the impact of veterans on community service. His January 28 lawsuit filing and subsequent media appearances suggest these themes will likely feature in his Norwich address.
Practical Details for Attendees
The Norwich campus maintains a 24-hour security presence through its Department of Public Safety. Visitor parking is available, with Lot G at Disney Field and the Shapiro Fieldhouse area typically used for large events. The university recommends arriving at least one hour before the 7:00 PM start time, as traffic in Northfield can increase significantly during major campus events.
The university uses the RAVE Alert System for emergency notifications and has emergency phones positioned throughout campus. Mack Hall is a central campus building designed to accommodate major university events with modern audio-visual capabilities.
What Happens Next
The February 12 lecture will be attended by Norwich cadets, faculty, alumni, and members of the public. Given Kelly’s recent legal action and his ongoing public commentary on executive authority and democratic institutions, the presentation is expected to draw significant interest from both the university community and the broader Central Vermont region. The lecture continues Norwich’s tradition of exposing students to high-level practitioners who can speak from direct experience about leadership challenges in complex environments.