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THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

We prepare the security professionals of tomorrow by bringing together security practitioners for internships, training, research, and education in the areas of intelligence, national security, and cybersecurity.

Interested in a career in the FBI, CIA, or State Department? 

  • Learn from FBI agents, CIA officers, State Department officials, among others, who can help you on your career path.
  • Build your career with internships at top agencies like the FBI, CIA, State Department, and National Security Agency.
  • Gain hands-on experience with institutions like West Point Military Academy, Joint Special Operations Command, and many others.

Resources for careers in intelligence and security

Real-World Experience and Unmatched Preparation

"The Morell Center is the reason why I am able to wake up every morning and go to work at my dream job. I am fully confident that my opportunities, thanks to the Morell Center, have equipped me to make a meaningful impact in the field of national security." - Jessica Rinke ‘24

Read more here!

Morell-in-front-of-Center-signage.jpgFormer Acting Director of the CIA  

The Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies has been named to honor Akron alumnus Michael Morell. He had a 33-year career at the CIA in positions included Acting Director and Deputy Director. He has dedicated his career to safeguarding our nation and the Center embodies his unwavering commitment by forging where future guardians of national security are shaped. 

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SPOTLIGHTS ON CENTER ADVISORY BOARD

Full Advisory Board -- Read all bios here.

Michael Morell

Michael Morell had a 33-year career at the CIA. His positions included Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Presently, Michael is Senior Counselor and Global Chairman of the Geo-political Risk Practice of Beacon Global Strategies in Washington D.C. Michael Morrell is a University of Akron Economics alumnus.

Wayne Stone

Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Stone (Ret) is the Senior Recanati-Kaplan Resident Fellow at Harvard University. Wayne has served in multiple senior management positions within the United States Intelligence Community, most recently as the Senior Executive Management Officer in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Prior to this role, he served as the Acting Inspector General of the Intelligence Community.

Headshot of Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler

MEET CENTER DIRECTOR

Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies at The University of Akron. His research and teaching focus on intelligence, political violence, political psychology, public opinion and political behavior, countering violent extremism (CVE), and counterterrorism.

Morell Center News

Director discusses prisoner swap between NATO nations and Russia

Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler talks to Ray Horner about the recent prisoner swap between NATO nations and Russia that resulted in 24 people being released, including three American citizens and one permanent American resident. 
 

 


 
 

Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler visits the Ray Horner Show

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler, director of the Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor in the Department of Political Science, discusses Russia’s recent nuclear weapons drills and the war in Ukraine. 

Center for Intelligence and Security Studies renamed to honor alumnus

Michael J. Morell '80, is former acting director of the CIA and a media commentator on U.S. intelligence and national security issues.

Launching Ohio’s first interdisciplinary Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

The Center will bring together students from a wide variety of disciplines with faculty and national security practitioners and experts for training, research and education in the areas of national security, cybersecurity, community security and law enforcement, as well as intelligence analysis and operations.


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