About the Series
Launched by the Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment, this new annual lecture series serves as a signature platform for thought leadership, dialogue, and discovery. Each year, the series will highlight a distinct theme reflecting the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our planet 鈥 bringing together visionary scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights that inspire action. Designed to showcase the dean鈥檚 strategic priorities and commitment to innovation, the series aims to foster deeper engagement across the Nicholas School and beyond, strengthening our role at the forefront of environmental research, education, and impact.
2026 events
A Conversation with Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.
Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.
Stanback Dean Lori Bennear will be in conversation with Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as the Nicholas School of the Environment continues its signature lecture series spotlighting bold ideas and consequential leadership in national security and public service.
As the 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2023 to 2025, Brown was the principal military advisor to the U.S. President, Secretary of Defense and National Security Council. In the summer of 2025, General Brown joined Duke as an Executive in Residence with a joint appointment between the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Pratt School of Engineering. Brown is co-teaching a course linked to Duke鈥檚 Program in American Grand Strategy, an interdisciplinary program that helps to prepare students for careers in U.S. foreign policy and national security.
This event was held Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
A Conversation with Roger Martella | 2026 Ferguson Family Lecture
Roger Martella
Stanback Dean Lori Bennear will be in conversation with Roger Martella. Martella is an American environmental lawyer and policy leader whose career spans federal government service, private practice, and corporate sustainability leadership. He is currently chief corporate officer at GE Vernova, where he leads global engagement on energy, climate, environmental, and ESG issues in the context of power generation and decarbonization. Prior to that, Martella served as general counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he was the agency鈥檚 chief legal officer and advised on the implementation of major statutes including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
This event was held Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
A Conversation with John Podesta
John podesta
Leadership lecture with John Podesta, founder and chairman of the board of directors of the Center for American Progress. Podesta also was the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy under President Joe Biden, served as Counselor to the President under President Barack Obama, and held the position of White House Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton.
This event was held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.