Paul M. Nakasone

Paul M. Nakasone is the Founding Director of the Institute of National Security and a Distinguished Research Professor of Engineering Science and Management at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. A retired four-star general with nearly 40 years of military service, he previously served as Director of the NSA and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, pioneering strategies like 'persistent engagement' and leading critical cyber operations against adversaries such as ISIS and Iran. He now focuses on cultivating future national security leaders through interdisciplinary education emphasizing technology, policy, and critical thinking.

Education includes a B.S. from Saint John’s University, M.S. from the University of Southern California, and advanced studies at the U.S. Army War College, Command and General Staff College, and Defense Intelligence College. He serves on the Board of Directors for OpenAI, Neuberger Berman Mutual Funds, and Witness AI, contributing to AI safety and strategic partnerships.

His research interests span cybersecurity, disruptive technologies, and the intersection of policy and technological innovation. Nakasone advocates for leaders who bridge technical expertise and governance, exemplified by Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security, which he co-founded to address modern security challenges through radical collaboration.