Newport, R.I. - The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) held its 16th annual faculty Cloister onboard Naval Station Newport, Aug. 7, celebrating faculty accomplishments and introducing new faculty members.
The event began with a welcome address by Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, president of NWC, who stated that the gathering was an opportunity to promote camaraderie and mutual respect.
“I encourage the open sharing of thoughts and aspirations, balancing academic rigor and creativity while respecting every voice,” said Garvin, calling on faculty members to focus over the next year on challenging students, conducting cutting-edge research, fostering resilience and emphasizing respect and inclusivity.
Following these remarks, NWC faculty were presented with professional awards for superior achievements in teaching and research related to their specific disciplines.
Col. Christopher M. Hauver, U.S. Air Force, from the College of Leadership and Ethics received the Vice Admiral T.R. Weschler Award for Inspirational Teaching. The award recognizes a NWC military professor who uniquely combines superior professional competence, creative imagination, and unbridled enthusiasm.
Stephen F. Knott, Ph.D., who retired after 15 years of service as a national security affairs professor at NWC, also received the Emeritus award for his long-standing exemplary service to the War College.
Jessica D. Blankshain, Ph.D., in the National Security Affairs Department received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Service Award for championing faculty affairs and making significant contributions to the college’s mission overall.
John H. Maurer, Ph.D., from the Strategy and Policy Department, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching for sustained superb performance based on reflections from his students and colleagues over the course of his tenure.
Samuel Helfont, Ph.D., in the College of Distance Education, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Research a peer nominated award recognizing outstanding research over the past three years with emphasis on the value, impact, and originality of contributions to his field of research.
The Cloister ceremony also recognized additional faculty members who contributed significantly to student learning as well as those being promoted based on excellence in teaching, research, and service exhibited at NWC.
Stephen Mariano, Ph.D., NWC provost, also addressed faculty, explaining NWC leadership’s short and mid-term vision for the college, including efforts needed to support the Secretary of the Navy’s Naval Education Strategy, announced at NWC in June.
Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today’s decision-makers and educating tomorrow’s leaders. The college provides educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop students’ ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage.