The Major General Matthew C. Horner Chair of Military Theory is designed to provide MCU with a resident scholar of national or international repute with expertise in military history, national security affairs, international relations or the military art. In addition to serving on the faculty of MCU, the Chair is charged with conducting significant and scholarly research and completing a book during his/her tenure as the Horner Chair. The Marine Corps University Foundation funds the Horner Chair of Military Theory through the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Saunders in honor of Mrs. Saunders’ father, the late General Matthew C. Horner. The Chair is unfilled at the start of AY07-08. The position is currently being advertised.

The Guy P. Wyser-Pratte Chair of French Studies provides Marine Corps University with a non-resident expert and scholar in French Studies; to include the study of the French influence on Africa, the country, the culture, the language, the national and international effects, the economics, and the impact of international affairs. The Chair will teach classes throughout the academic year at the Marine Corps University which address the above areas in concert with current curricula programs. Additionally, the Chair will be available for regionally focused instruction on Africa to deploying Operating Forces and supporting establishment commands. Mr. Remy Mauduit is the current chairholder.

The General Robert H. Barrow Distinguished Chair of Military Studies provides Marine Corps University with a resident military historian, military practitioner, and strategic scholar. Established in July 2006, the Chair’s primary teaching focus is an elective course at the Command and Staff College as a part of its Electives Program. As an experienced, retired Marine General Officer, the Chair is also engaged in various guest lecture, subject matter expert, panel, and seminar opportunities throughout the University. The Chair’s experience is drawn upon in many different areas, to include: Information Operations, Public Affairs, Combat Leadership, Role of the Advisor, Women in the Military, and extensive Vietnam and Desert Storm combat operations insights and lessons learned topics. Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude, USMC, (Ret), is the current chairholder.

Brigadier General H. L. Oppenheimer Chair of Warfighting Strategy provides Marine Corps University a 6-month resident scholar with expertise in military history or national security affairs. In addition to lecturing at the University’s colleges, the Oppenheimer Chair teaches a graduate-level spring elective in an area in which the occupant has expertise. Additionally, the Oppenheimer Chair supports professional military education programs at Marine Corps East and West Coast Commands through presentations or lectures. The Chair is unfilled at the start of AY07-08.

The Donald Bren Chair of Ethics and Leadership provides a resident scholar who focuses on the moral and ethical aspects of war, military service, service to a free democratic society, and Just War Theory. The Chair incorporates professional military ethics into the varied curricula for all ranks within the Marine Corps’ educational continuum and advises the MCU President on all matters relating to military ethics. The Marine Corps University Foundation maintains the Donald Bren Chair of Ethics and Leadership through the donations of Mr. Donald Bren, a former Marine and Chairman of The Irvine Company. Dr. Paolo Tripodi is the current chairholder.

The Donald Bren Chair of Innovation and Transformation provides the University a resident scholar possessing significant experience and knowledge in innovative thinking, process reengineering, technology insertion, and organizational reform. The Chair teaches an elective course at the Command and Staff College and frequently lectures throughout the University on a wide range of topics to include Combat Operations, Combat Leadership, Views of the Commander, Command and Control, Operational Design, and other professional military education and leadership topics. The Marine Corps University Foundation maintains the Donald Bren Chair of Innovation and Transformation through the donations of Mr. Donald Bren, a former Marine and Chairman of The Irvine Company. Lieutenant General Paul K. Van Riper, USMC (Ret) is the current chairholder.

The Kim T. Adamson Chair of Insurgency and Terrorism focuses on the theory and nature of terrorism and insurgencies; terrorist organizations and ideologies; the political, economic, military, and psychological impacts of terrorist acts and insurgents' tactics; and, the most effective means to combat terrorism and insurgencies. The Chair speaks at many of the schools/colleges within MCU and conducts an elective course at Command & Staff College. One or more times a year, the Chair visits external USMC forces or headquarters. The Chair writes for publication, participates in conferences, and otherwise represents the University in public discussion and debate on terrorism, counter-terrorism, and insurgency issues. Kim Adamson, a MCUF Trustee and Marine Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 5, funds this Chair because of her Marine, police, and civil judgeship experiences and keen interest in this topic. Dr.Mark Moyar is the current chairholder.

The Major General John H. Russell Leadership Conference focuses on leadership issues of interest and importance to the Marine Corps. Approximately 75-125 selected participants from throughout the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense and the civilian/academic community spend four days examining and discussing issues related to the selected theme. The conference presents its final report to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Afterwards a published report is disseminated throughout the Corps.

The General Graves B. Erskine Distinguished Lecture Series brings distinguished representatives from government, education, journalism and other major fields to Quantico three times each academic year. Its purpose is to broaden the perspective of the University's students in the social, political and cultural dimensions of the nation and the world.

The Yale Class of 1951 Media Day Symposium at the Command and Staff College promotes understanding of military media relationships and responsibilities by bringing in featured guest panelists from the national media.

The Sergeant Walker K. Singleton Distinguished Lecture Series broadens the leadership perspective of students at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy who are in preparation for new assignments of greater responsibility.

The General Gerald C. Thomas Endowment Fund for Amphibious Warfare Research provides broad based support across the combined curricula of all the schools. With the approval of the donor it extends to professional areas beyond amphibious warfare. It has underwritten the majority of student and faculty development and research programs since its inception in 1985.

The Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Award, symbolic of infantry excellence, recognizes the outstanding graduate of each Infantry Officers Course at The Basic School.