Dr. Victor Matthews, dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs, has announced Dr. John P. Rose will serve as the new department head of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) at their Fairfax, Virginia campus.
Prior to Dr. Rose, Dr. Keith Payne served as DSS department head, since 2005. Dr. Payne retired in May 2019.
Upon receiving the news, Dr. Rose thanked the dean and said, “Great credit must go to my predecessor, Dr. Keith Payne, for his leadership, dedication and service to the men and women he has guided, educated and influenced. The program would not be where it is had it not been for Dr. Payne.
“He has influenced a generation of defense and foreign affairs specialists who will guide our nation for decades to come. His legacy will live for decades.”
Speaking to the faculty, Dr. Rose continued, “While I am honored to serve in this position, your continued support for the program is essential.
“Thank you for all you have done to make the program Bill Van Cleave started in 1971 grow into what it is today: an elite defense and strategic studies program.”
Previous roles: Marshall European Center and U.S. Army
Dr. Rose came to DSS in 2011, serving as a visiting professor. He continues to teach a variety of topics such as science, technology and defense policy; NATO and European security issues; international terrorism; military operations; and leadership for national security professionals.
Under Dr. Rose’s guidance, in 2018, DSS began an agreement with the U.S. Army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Captains Career Course Training Program to provide an educational path for officers to earn a defense and strategic studies master’s degree with an option in weapons of mass destruction.
Before arriving at DSS, Dr. Rose served as Director of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He directed a graduate-level defense and security studies program, managing the efforts of a college dean, and 30 professors from ten nations. He also oversaw the Center’s outreach program hosting 100 security-focused conferences each year throughout Europe and Eurasia.
Prior to that, Dr. Rose served as Director of Requirements for the U.S. Army, at the Pentagon, and Director, International Programs Branch, NATO, SHAPE, in Mons, Belgium. Dr. Rose is a retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army and has a great heart for the men and women who serve in the military for our country.
Dr. Rose is a graduate of the defense and strategic studies program when it resided at University of Southern California.
Looking ahead
Faculty, staff and students are excited to know as department head, Dr. Rose will continue his excellent stewardship of the program, work to grow the program, while maintaining it as an elite defense and strategic studies program.
Want to join the program? Please contact the Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) Department at DSS1@MissouriState.edu for more information.