NC State Alumni Discuss Evolving Strategies for Global Security

Global security threats are constantly evolving — and so are the strategies to address them.

NC State alumni Gentry Smith, recently retired assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, and Michael Glasheen, director of the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, have been at the forefront of informing those strategies. They returned to campus recently to discuss diplomacy, counterterrorism and the critical role of human-centered leadership in tackling today’s most pressing global security challenges.

The two political science graduates also reflected on their careers, protecting U.S. security interests at home and abroad, and how their humanities and social sciences degrees helped them develop as impactful thought leaders. They spoke to an audience of about 100 students, faculty, staff and alumni who gathered in Caldwell Hall Lounge on a Wednesday evening in February.

Their discussion, “Securing Diplomacy, Screening Threats,” was part of the Learning Lounge, a new initiative by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS). Learning lounges are recurring events that offer candid discussions with faculty, alumni or student thought leaders and show ways in which the humanities and social sciences help solve critical societal challenges and shape conversations to build a better future.

These free and open-to-the-public events, including a question-and-answer component, are also part of the college’s community engagement efforts.

“Initiatives like Learning Lounge exemplify how we build bridges between theory and practice, bring our talents to North Carolina and beyond, and influence society,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the college who moderated the February event. “They also showcase the expertise of our faculty, the innovation of our students and the impact of our alumni, while encouraging audience members to engage in meaningful dialogue and experience the humanness that effects change.”

The February event brought together Smith and Glasheen who graduated 13 years apart but forged similar global security careers.

Up until last month, Smith, who began his diplomatic service career in 1987, oversaw the U.S. Department of State’s global security operations, ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel, embassies and consulates at 270 diplomatic posts worldwide.

Smith described his more than three-decade-long career as “a calling.”

Glasheen, who joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001, leads efforts to identify potential terrorists, mitigate global threats to national security, and ensure critical screening processes remain robust and effective.

“It’s a real mission every day,” Glasheen said of his work.

Their discussion explored the global security challenges and opportunities facing our world today. 

Smith said complacency and intelligence gaps are among the greatest security threats.

“If we ever get in the mindset that nothing can happen here, then we are in a really bad place because something can happen anywhere and at any time,” Smith said. In terms of cyber attacks, he added: “The bad guys are really good at what they do. We must remain diligent.”

Smith also highlighted the critical role of international partnerships and collaborations in maintaining global security.

Glasheen identified the growing threat of authoritarian powers working to undermine the global rule-based order. He also warned that narcotics trafficking, terrorism and cybercrime pose serious challenges, but that the true concern is to democracy.

“Our adversaries are trying to divide this country,” he said. “The challenge is to our democracy – to what we stand for.”

Glasheen underscored the importance of communication in strengthening national security.

The alumni also discussed their NC State experiences and shared advice with students in the crowd.

“For everyone who has ever asked you what you’re going to do with that degree – go show them,” said Smith. ”The opportunities available to you are limitless.”

Smith also advised students to connect with individuals in fields they are interested in and absorb everything they can while at CHASS because it will be useful down the road.

Glasheen’s advice to students: “Follow your heart, follow your passion. It is your career, no one else’s.”

He also counseled students to become great listeners and carry themselves with confidence because “confidence is contagious.”

A CHASS education provides the foundation and versatile skills needed for students to reach their full potential and pursue diverse careers.

Both men said a CHASS education provides the foundation and versatile skills needed for students to reach their full potential and pursue diverse careers, including those in global security. 

The discussion resonated with the audience, evidenced by the line of people waiting to talk with the alumni when the program ended.

Junior political science major Himesh Kafle said he enjoyed hearing the alums talk about their work and college experiences and how one shaped the other. “Both speakers walked the same hallways as me and sat in some of the same classes as me,” he said, adding that seeing what they have accomplished with their degrees was “pretty inspiring.“