American statesman, scholar, and author William Inboden, Ph.D., will join King University for its commencement ceremonies this May.

From his work to his scholarship, Inboden evidences a strong belief in the ideals of America and how it can be a force for good in the world. In his current role, he serves as Professor and Director of the Alexander Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and Peterson Senior Fellow with the Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.

Inboden will deliver the keynote address at King’s commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. William Inboden to address our class of 2025,” said Andrew Tooley, Ph.D., president of King. “Professor Inboden’s distinguished career in government and academia has been marked by dedicated service, serious scholarship, and wise leadership. I am confident he will inspire and encourage our students as they continue their pursuit of purpose, meaning, and consequence beyond but with the continued support of King University.”

Previously, Inboden served as the William Powers, Jr. Chair and Executive Director of the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas-Austin, where he developed its programs in history, strategy, and statecraft. His government service includes roles as Senior Director for Strategic Planning on the National Security Council at the White House, a Member of the Policy Planning Staff at the Department of State, Special Advisor in the Office of International Religious Freedom, and as a staff member in both the United States House of Representatives and Senate, during which he worked to pass the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

He is a prolific author with numerous books, articles and book chapters on American foreign policy, the presidency, and American history. His most recent book, “The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, The Cold War, and the World on the Brink,” makes skillful use of Ronald Reagan’s speeches and private diaries to illuminate his moral compass and guiding principles in working to peacefully end the Cold War.

He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and his commentary has appeared in numerous outlets including theWall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Foreign Policy, Politico, National Review, The Hill, World, Weekly Standard, NPR, CNN, and BBC.

Inboden received his bachelor’s degree in history with honors from Stanford University, and his master’s and doctorate in history from Yale University. He lives in Gainesville, Florida, with his wife and two sons.