Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield (‘88) Named Pardee’s Inaugural Distinguished Fellow
The Pardee School of Global Studies seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice through initiatives and programs lending real-world insights to students. This ethos has guided Pardee since its founding as the Center of International Relations in 1982, with Professors of the Practice enriching the School and the lives of its students with their professional expertise. Now, the new Distinguished Fellows Program builds on this commitment by inviting recent leaders in international public service fields to share their firsthand experiences in contemporary international affairs with the next generation of global leaders. We’re proud to announce that leading the program’s inaugural fellowship is Shoshana Chatfield, Retired United States Navy Vice Admiral and a Pardee alumna.
“Launching a Distinguished Fellows program has long been on the Pardee School agenda, something I’ve personally sought since I started as Dean four years ago,” said Scott Taylor, Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies. “I’m thrilled that we are able at last to stand up this new initiative, and I couldn’t be happier that our inaugural Distinguished Fellow is Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, a Pardee alum and an exemplary public servant. She will add measurably to our students’ experience and enhance our community in the weeks that she’s in residence.”
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in international relations and French language and literature, Chatfield went on to become a decorated Navy officer and career helicopter pilot. A trailblazing figure in defense, she was a military representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Commander of the Joint Region Marianas in Guam and Helicopter Sea Combat Wing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the first woman President of the United States Naval War College. In addition to her impressive professional appointments, she is the recipient of various prestigious accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, and Navy Commendation Medal.
“When I retired last year from my active-duty military career, I was delighted to hear that Dean Taylor was considering me for the Pardee Distinguished Fellows Program,” she said. “It is an honor for me to return to campus in this capacity.”
During her appointment, between September 21, 2026 and October 30, 2026, she will speak at two public events, guest lecture in select Pardee classes, and take part in special school engagements. As the inaugural fellow of the Distinguished Fellows Program, Admiral Chatfield will share her wealth of experience and knowledge in defense, national security, and high-level diplomacy with the Pardee and broader BU community.
ABOUT THE PARDEE DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Pardee Distinguished Fellows Program is a new initiative that aims to bring accomplished global leaders for short-term residencies at the Pardee School. Lasting between two and eight weeks, it offers leaders from across the world a unique opportunity to be a part of the academic life at Boston University and Pardee while enriching the community with their expertise.