The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest

The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest Preparing Men of Character for Lives of Consequence Hampden-Sydney College created the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest in 1996. Gen. Samuel V.

Named for the College’s President from 1992 to 2000, Lt. Wilson (U.S. Army, Ret.), the Center is an umbrella organization for leadership, public service, and civic education for Hampden-Sydney students, faculty, staff, and alumni, area high school teachers and students, and a variety of community and national educational organizations. The Center is named for Lt. General Samuel V. Wilson, 22nd Pre

sident of Hampden-Sydney College. “General Sam” retired as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 1977, after having served in various intelligence and defense positions for the American military for 37 years. He is well known for his foundational work in developing strategy for low-intensity conflict; for coining the term "counterinsurgency," and for helping to create the US Special Operations Command and Delta Force, the U.S. Army's premier counterterrorism unit.

In July, Vinton Bruton, Director of the Wilson Center, and Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez, Wheat Professor, led Expeditionary...
09/01/2026

In July, Vinton Bruton, Director of the Wilson Center, and Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez, Wheat Professor, led Expeditionary Leadership, a 3-credit experiential learning course in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Ten students rotated through the roles of leader, assistant leader, and medic, taking responsibility for their team and making decisions with real consequences. One student reflected, “This was the hardest course I’ve taken…it challenged me mentally, physically, and intellectually.” The experience challenged students to build trust, rely on one another, and grow as leaders and teammates.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Dr. John Hillen back to campus for a special presentation reflecting on 9/11 and its ...
08/31/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming Dr. John Hillen back to campus for a special presentation reflecting on 9/11 and its lasting impact.

This year marks 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As a community, we will take time throughout the week to remember and reflect on a day that changed our nation and impacted us like no other.

In addition to other events taking place throughout the week, please take note of Dr. John Hillen’s lecture, “The Everlasting Security Challenges: 25 Years After 9/11,” on September 10 at 7pm.

Visit the link to tune into the livestream and join our community in reflection and remembrance.

go.hsc.edu/911

We're excited to share this podcast featuring former Wheat Professor Dr. John Hillen
08/26/2026

We're excited to share this podcast featuring former Wheat Professor Dr. John Hillen

On this episode of Higher Ed Now Civics Edition, ACTA President Michael Poliakoff moderates a bracing and illuminating conversation with Lt. General H.R. McMaster, the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and former U.S. National Security Advisor, and ...

Congratulations to Jim R. Eanes, who was presented the James Madison Award on August 17, 2026. The James Madison Award r...
08/24/2026

Congratulations to Jim R. Eanes, who was presented the James Madison Award on August 17, 2026. The James Madison Award recognizes distinguished leadership in public service and significant contributions to one’s community. Mr. Eanes’ lifetime of service spans journalism, local government, civic leadership, music, and the arts. A well-deserved honor recognizing a lifetime of leadership in the public interest.

Mr. Eanes is pictured with his family, including his son, Colonel Greg Eanes, USAF (Ret.), Visiting Lecturer in National Security Studies.

Class of 2030 Fellows
08/21/2026

Class of 2030 Fellows

Wheat Professor Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez ’88 led a leadership session with freshman fellows outside on the front lawn o...
08/20/2026

Wheat Professor Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez ’88 led a leadership session with freshman fellows outside on the front lawn of the Wilson Center today.

We are so grateful for these Wilson Fellows, who volunteered to return to campus early to spend the week welcoming our f...
08/19/2026

We are so grateful for these Wilson Fellows, who volunteered to return to campus early to spend the week welcoming our freshmen and helping them get settled in! Kayne Wooten '29, Myles Brown '28, Walker Edens '29, Bobby Parke '27, Severin Lavarias '27, Adam Jones '29

We welcomed 30 freshman Fellows to campus on Sunday, and they’ve jumped right in. Yesterday, they heard from Drew Prehmu...
08/18/2026

We welcomed 30 freshman Fellows to campus on Sunday, and they’ve jumped right in. Yesterday, they heard from Drew Prehmus ’08, who wrote the biography of General Sam Wilson. Last night, Dr. Alan Farrell joined the Fellows as their dinner speaker. This morning, they headed out to the Leadership Reaction Course. We're looking forward to a great year with this group!

We’re excited to share a podcast co-hosted by Wheat Professor Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez '88!
08/14/2026

We’re excited to share a podcast co-hosted by Wheat Professor Ambassador Hugo Rodriguez '88!

Careers Podcast · The Ripple Effect Leadership Podcast is for leaders at work, at home, and in the community who feel overwhelmed and want to grow with intention. Every other week, hosts Jen Brown and Hugo Rodriguez, d…

Opinion article by former Wheat Professor Dr. John Hillen
07/07/2026

Opinion article by former Wheat Professor Dr. John Hillen

A nation with a government, not the other way around.

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Hampden Sydney, VA
23943

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