The University of North Dakota (UND) continues its tradition of intellectual engagement and leadership development through its UND LEADS: Broad Perspectives on National Security speaker series. This fall, the campus will host an influential figure in the defense sector — Ben Davies, President of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems and Corporate Vice President of Northrop Grumman Corporation. Scheduled for Thursday, November 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., the fireside chat will take place at the Memorial Union Ballroom, offering a rare opportunity for students, faculty, and the local community to gain firsthand insights into the future of national security and defense innovation.
A Conversation Between Leaders: President Armacost and Ben Davies
The upcoming fireside chat, hosted by UND President Andrew Armacost, represents more than an academic discussion—it is a strategic dialogue on the evolving challenges in global defense and national security. With Ben Davies’ extensive background in leading Northrop Grumman’s defense systems operations, the event will provide an insider’s perspective on the technological advancements and policy strategies shaping America’s security infrastructure.
Davies oversees a vast portfolio of systems crucial to land-based deterrence, missile defense, and tactical weapon development. Under his leadership, Northrop Grumman continues to strengthen the nation’s defensive capabilities, ensuring readiness against emerging threats. His conversation with President Armacost will focus on innovation in defense technology, strategic deterrence, and the importance of developing a skilled workforce in national security sectors.
Understanding Northrop Grumman’s Role in National Defense
Northrop Grumman stands at the forefront of the U.S. defense industry, providing advanced systems that protect the nation across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace domains. The company’s Defense Systems sector, under the leadership of Ben Davies, plays a crucial role in integrating cutting-edge technology into operational readiness.
From missile systems to command-and-control networks, Northrop Grumman’s contributions extend to nearly every dimension of modern warfare and national protection. The firm’s strategic initiatives emphasize innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring that the U.S. remains prepared for both current and future security challenges.
The UND LEADS Speaker Series: Shaping Tomorrow’s National Security Leaders
The UND LEADS: Broad Perspectives on National Security series is part of the university’s broader commitment to developing leadership excellence through education, research, and collaboration. Each semester, UND invites distinguished national figures from the defense, intelligence, and technology sectors to engage in open discussions with students and faculty.
This initiative complements UND’s National Security Initiative (NSI)—a research-focused effort that connects academia with defense partners to advance the study of cybersecurity, aerospace defense, and military innovation. By hosting figures like Ben Davies, UND continues to solidify its position as a leading hub for national security education and research in the Midwest.
Why This Fireside Chat Matters
The conversation between President Armacost and Ben Davies goes beyond organizational or academic exchange—it addresses core questions about national defense readiness, public-private partnerships, and the integration of new technologies in military operations.
The event will explore:
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The future of U.S. deterrence strategies in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape
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Emerging threats in cyber and missile defense domains
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The role of innovation in maintaining strategic advantage
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How universities can prepare students for careers in defense, intelligence, and security sectors
As Northrop Grumman continues to support missions critical to the nation’s defense, this dialogue offers a timely reflection on how collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions can drive progress in protecting national interests.
About Ben Davies: A Visionary Leader in Defense Systems
Ben Davies brings decades of experience in defense systems integration and program leadership. As President of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, he leads one of the world’s most advanced divisions focused on missiles, long-range fires, logistics, and battle management systems.
Davies’ leadership philosophy centers around innovation, strategic partnerships, and workforce empowerment. His insights are expected to shed light on how Northrop Grumman balances technological excellence with the ethical and strategic responsibilities of global defense operations.
Prior to his current role, Davies held multiple leadership positions across the company’s defense portfolio, contributing to key advancements in missile systems modernization and military communications infrastructure. His extensive experience ensures that attendees will gain a deep understanding of the complex factors influencing U.S. defense policy and technology innovation.
UND’s Commitment to Defense and Security Research
Through initiatives such as the National Security Initiative, UND continues to invest in areas that align directly with national defense priorities. The university’s faculty and research teams are actively engaged in projects that support:
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Cybersecurity and digital defense technologies
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Aerospace and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research
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Data analytics and decision-support systems for national defense
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Workforce development in security and intelligence sectors
UND’s collaboration with leading defense companies like Northrop Grumman exemplifies its dedication to preparing students to contribute meaningfully to national security and defense innovation. Events such as the fireside chat with Ben Davies bring these academic and professional worlds closer together.
Event Details: What to Expect
The Fireside Chat with Ben Davies is a free public event, open to all members of the UND community and the general public.
Date: Thursday, November 6
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Memorial Union Ballroom, University of North Dakota
Attendees can expect a dynamic discussion, interactive Q&A sessions, and valuable insights into the evolving landscape of national security, defense technologies, and leadership in global security enterprises.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
At the heart of UND’s mission is the belief that education and dialogue are the cornerstones of leadership. By facilitating discussions with industry leaders like Ben Davies, the university not only enhances academic knowledge but also inspires future policymakers, engineers, and defense strategists.
This event embodies the UND LEADS framework—focused on Learning, Equity, Affinity, Discovery, and Service—fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge translates into action. The fireside chat serves as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging students to engage with real-world defense challenges and envision their role in shaping a safer, more secure future.
Conclusion: Advancing the National Security Dialogue
The fireside chat between President Armacost and Ben Davies is set to be an insightful, forward-looking discussion about the future of defense innovation, strategic deterrence, and workforce development in national security. UND’s ongoing efforts to bridge academia and industry continue to position the university as a key player in fostering leadership, innovation, and collaboration at the intersection of education and defense.
This event is not only a learning opportunity but a milestone in UND’s broader mission to educate and empower the next generation of national security leaders. sources : https://blogs.und.edu/