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Johnson Lecture Series
A collaborative effort with the Office of the Dean, the H.B. Johnson, Jr. ‘26 Distinguished Lecture Series attracts speakers who address key themes from international and cultural perspectives, including contemporary foreign and domestic issues, leadership, moral-ethical questions, and civic responsibilities.
Speaker Bio
On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.
Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C., Travis remains on the road to recovery. Every day is a battle, but Travis continues to astound friends and family alike with his progress and amazing spirit.
In September 2013, Travis and his wife Kelsey founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist post 9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. The veteran and their families receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid, barrier-free vacation to Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s great outdoors.
The Travis Mills Group LLC was started shortly after, where Travis consults with and speaks to companies and organizations nationwide inspiring all to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.
Previous Speakers
- Carly Fiorina, 2025 Convocation Speaker, VMI News Coverage
- Florent Groberg, Medal of Honor recipient, Keynote, 2024 Leadership and Ethics Conference, VMI News Coverage
- Admiral (Ret.) James Stravidis, 2024 Convocation Speaker, VMI News Coverage
- Commander (Ret) Kirk Lippold, Keynote, 2023 Leadership and Ethics Conference, VMI News coverage
- Peter Leyden, futurist, tech expert, 2023 Convocation Speaker VMI News coverage
- J. Michael Luttig, retired federal judge, 2022 Convocation Speaker VMI News coverage
- General (Ret.) Robert B. Neller, former Commandant of the Marine Corps. Read about his visit from VMI News
- Staff Sergeant (Ret.) David Bellavia, the first and only living Iraq veteran to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Read about his visit from VMI News.
- General (Ret.) Joseph L. Votel during 2019 "Disruption: Challenging Leadership at Every Turn" - watch his talk on 'The Campaign to Defeat ISIS: A Case Study on Leading in Disruptive Environments'
- William "Bill" Bennett, Keynote, 2018 Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference "GRIT and the American Character"
- Robert Kaplan, Convocation 2016 speaker "Our Current Geopolitical Climate" - watch his speech on Our Current Geopolitical Climate
- Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster "Developing the Next Marshall: Trends in Future Strategic Leadership to 2040" - watch his remarks on our YouTube Channel
- Daniel Rodriquez "Goal Setting: Achieving Your Goals"
- Kirsten Powers, Convocation 2015 speaker, "Free Speech on College Campuses" - watch her speech on Free Speech on College Campuses
- Ray Kelly "A Conversation with Ray Kelly on his Memoir: Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting its Empire City"
- Retired Four-Star General Keith Alexander "Ethical Dilemmas Facing Leaders in American National Security" - watch his presentation on Public Privacy and National Security
- Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman "The Bulletproof Mind: Psychological Preparations for Combat."
- Edward Ayers, Ph.D. "The Shape of the Civil War"
- Nina Totenberg "The Supreme Court and Its Impact on You."
- Mr. Edward Viesturs "No Shortcuts to the Top."
- Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam
