Schriever Chair
The Bernard A. Schriever Chair in Space Systems Engineering was endowed by gift to ARDI by the Emerson Electric Co. in honor and recognition of Bernard A. Schriever (General, USAF, Retired).
The Bernard A. Schriever Chair in Space Systems Engineering
Air Force Magazine (October 2000) headlined Gen. Schriever as the “man who built the missiles,” and described him as “unquestionably one of the most important officers in Air Force history.”
Among Schriever’s many achievements is the development and acquisition of a reliable and operational ICBM force in the 1950s and early 1960s. It was this towering accomplishment that helped propel the US to military dominance and command global respect and admiration for humanity’s achievement in reaching space.
In April 1957, Schriever’s portrait graced the cover of TIME magazine, and he was hailed “America’s Missileman.” His official Air Force biography proclaims that Schriever is “the architect of the Air Force’s ballistic missile and military space program.”
Current Distinguished Visiting Professor
Gen David Thompson
Current Professor
Gen David Thompson
Department
Schriever Chair
Prior to his retirement in 2024, General (Ret.) Thompson served over 38 years in the Air and Space Forces as career space officer with assignments in operations, acquisition, research and development, and academia. He commanded operational units at the squadron, group and wing levels, deployed to SouthWest Asia as Director of Space Forces for Air Forces Central, and served in senior leadership positions at the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Warfare Center, United States Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command and Headquarters United States Space Force.
Thompson’s military career culminated in the role of first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, where he assisted in planning and creation of the first new military branch in 73 years, and served as member of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Deputy Secretary of Defense Management Action Group and periodic representative of the Chief of Space Operations in meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Thompson earned a B.S. in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), an M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University, and an M.S. in national security industrial policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF). He is also an Olmsted Scholar and graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and Senior Acquisition Course of National Defense University. Thompson is a distinguished graduate of USAFA and ICAF, and a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of Purdue University.
