U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to Host Webinar at Idaho State University in Spring 2024

The webinar series is hosted by the Emergency Services Department at ISU, led by the director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management program, Laurie Holien. The webinar series features engaging professionals with a vast array of backgrounds and professional experience in the areas of homeland security, border protection, emergency management, law enforcement and disaster preparedness. 

Everyone is invited to join Secretary Napolitano as she presents to students in the Homeland Security and Emergency Management program on the topic of “Homeland Security Apparatus” in January, after being rescheduled from November 2 due to illness.

Napolitano is a professor of public policy and founding director of the Center for Security in Politics at University of California Berkeley. A distinguished public servant, Napolitano served as the president of the University of California from 2013 to 2020, as Governor of Arizona from 2003 to 2009, as Attorney General of Arizona from 1998 to 2003, and as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona from 1993 to 1997. She earned her bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude in Political Science) in 1979 from Santa Clara University, where she was a Truman Scholar, and the university’s first female valedictorian. She received her law degree in 1983 from the University of Virginia School of Law.

As Secretary of Homeland Security, she led the nation’s efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, secure its borders, respond to natural disasters and build domestic resiliency. She oversaw critical enhancements to aviation security, including initiatives like the creation of TSA Pre✓ ®  that bolster security while improving the travel experience. Through the expansion of programs like Global Entry and pre- clearance, the Department expanded our borders, helping to identify threats before they depart for the U.S. The Department also significantly enhanced its readiness to meet and combat evolving cyber threats. 

Napolitano also spearheaded the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, creating hope and relief for thousands of undocumented young people across the nation. She was the first woman and is to date the longest serving Secretary of Homeland Security. Under her leadership, the department transformed its security capabilities, becoming a more efficient, cohesive and effective organization.

In March 2019, Napolitano published “How Safe Are We: Homeland Security Since 9/11,” which is required reading for the students in ISU’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management program.

“We are beyond delighted to engage with Secretary Napolitano," Holien said. "She brings a wealth of experience from her various roles as a high-level official protecting the public. We are pleased for our associates, bachelors, and masters degree students to meet a leader of this caliber and to extend the opportunity to other students and community members to participate in this important national dialogue."

Registration for the event will open at a later date.