Ronald L. Burgess

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ronald L. Burgess, Jr., was commissioned in Military Intelligence through the Auburn University ROTC Program in 1974. He earned a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Southern California in 1980, and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1986. He recently received an honorary doctorate from National Intelligence University. His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Military Intelligence Officers Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Advanced Military Studies Program, and the Air War College.

Lieutenant General Burgess held a variety of key staff and command positions throughout his 38 year military career. General officer assignments include Director of Intelligence, J2, U.S. Southern Command; Director of Intelligence, J2, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Customer Outcomes transitioning to Director of the Intelligence Staff in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He was dual-hatted twice as the Acting Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. His final military assignment was as the 17th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He joined Auburn University on December 1, 2012, as Senior Counsel for National Security Programs, Cyber Programs and Military Affairs, and now serves as the school’s Chief Operating Officer. His personal awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), Defense Superior Service Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Four Oak Leaf Clusters,) Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal—former Republic of Yugoslavia, Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge.