Christopher Newport University welcomed General Charles Q Brown Jr to campus on October 3. General Brown Jr was a graduate of Ferguson High School, now formally known as Ferguson Center for the Arts, serving this visit as an essential ‘homecoming’ for him.
General Brown Jr serves as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and is the nation’s highest ranking military office.
When the general initially arrived at CNU, he was escorted through the halls of his former high school and made various comments reflecting on his time there before it became the home of CNU’s fine arts department.
The general also held a private speech with Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student cadets on various topics, primarily including leadership skills and other pieces of advice.
A faux ‘fireside’ chat was held with the general alongside President Bill Kelly inside Diamonstein Concert Hall later that evening. President Leadership Program (PLP) students served as moderators to the discussion.
In attendance were PLP students, various dignitaries, members of the U.S. military and their families, congressman Bobby Scott, former high school graduates of Ferguson High School and other members of the public.
The primary focus of the discussion centered around group dynamics and initiatives on how to lead change.
Also in attendance were members of the Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the ‘Red Tails,’ who donned bright red jackets. One of which being Sergeant Thomas Newton, a member of the 99th Squadron. The general was named an honorary member of the Tuskegee Airmen in August of 2021.
One of the student moderators asked the general about his most valuable takeaways from the legacy of the Red Tails. He responded by stating that he looks to the Red Tails as models of inspiration, prompting him to focus on how “we inspire the next generation.”
“You never know who you are going to impact with the work that you do,” he said.
The general was also asked about how one leads a team that has a wide range of diversity and how one is meant to unify the group in a high stakes environment. He responded by stating he valued the different perspectives of the group and set a “good vision.”
“It’s important to value the voices in that organization,” the general said.
Other questions from the moderators surrounded topics such as balancing leadership and fellowship, handling conflicting opinions in time sensitive situations and how to motivate people into embracing change.
Following the primary discussion, it was opened up for members of the audience to ask the general questions. One student asked about the growing conflict between China and Taiwan and what the U.S. plans to do in response. The general explained that the conflict would not just be catastrophic for those directly involved, but it would also greatly impact lots of other nations on an economic security level.
“We don’t want to go into conflict, but we want to be prepared,” he said.
While departing the general’s ‘fireside chat’, two ‘Free Palestine’ protesters carrying signs stood outside of the Diamonstein Concert Hall.
