Retired Navy Admiral Mike Rogers, who earned his degree in personnel management and industrial relations from Auburn University in 1981, will receive the George C. Marshall Center’s Ethical Leadership Award. A distinguished cybersecurity and naval leader, Rogers is the former commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.

The Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership is presented to one recipient each year who embodies the principles of selfless service, unwavering integrity and visionary leadership exemplified by General Marshall, who was a Nobel Peace laureate, Army chief of staff, secretary of state and secretary of defense.  

“Admiral Rogers has dedicated decades of service to our nation, exemplifying the model of principled and effective leadership that General Marshall set for all who aspire to lead with purpose,” said Marshall Center Chairman Thomas Greenspon in a media release. “His unwavering commitment to the greater good and steadfast devotion to serving his country make him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership.” 

“It is a great privilege to have my name associated with General Marshall,” said Rogers.  “His lifetime of service to our country and unfailing dedication to his principles have long inspired me. I thank the Marshall Center for honoring me with this award, and I am especially grateful to join the list of impressive leaders who have received it before me."

Rogers served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 37 years, retiring in 2018. He ended his service as a four-star admiral. He culminated his career in uniform with a tour as both the commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency – creating the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) then newest combatant command and leading the largest intelligence organization in the free world.  

In those roles, he worked with the senior-most leadership of the U.S. government, the DoD and the intelligence community, as well as their international counterparts, in the conduct of cyber and intelligence activity across the globe. 

During his broader service in uniform, Rogers held positions afloat and ashore around the globe focusing on cyber, intelligence, maritime operations and national security. His service was extensive, including duty with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Atlantic Command.  

Rogers serves as an advisory board member of Auburn’s McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security, and has spoken on campus multiple times about cyber threats and challenges.  

In addition to his Auburn degree, Rogers is a distinguished graduate of the National War College and a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College. He now speaks globally to various business and academic groups and is working internationally in the cyber and national security arenas. He is a senior fellow and adjunct professor with the Public Private Initiative at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

Rogers will receive the fourth annual award at the Marshall Center’s annual gala on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. Previous recipients of the award were Col. Greg Gadson (U.S. Army, Ret.) in 2022, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in 2023 and CISA Director Jen Easterly in 2024. 

###

The George C. Marshall International Center educates and inspires the leaders of today and tomorrow to live out General Marshall’s enduring example of ethical leadership. Learn more at  georgecmarshall.org