Commencement Speaker

Jennifer E. Clift, senior scientific technical manager and chief technology officer for NSWCDD, Virginia’s largest federal research and development employer, will address the University’s graduating class at the 112th Commencement on Saturday, May 6, at 9 a.m., on Mary Washington’s Ball Circle.

In her current role, Clift drives the vision and heads the efforts for advancing the Center’s technical capabilities through investments, partnerships and education. She oversees the Center’s innovation laboratory, science & technology portfolio, academic partnering and technology transfer efforts.

Throughout her 25-year career with NSWCDD, Clift has served in various technical and organizational leadership roles. As deputy head of the Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department, she provided leadership to a 600-person organization supporting research and development in the areas of electronic warfare, spectrum operations and advanced sensors.

She also has served as head of NSWCDD’s Electromagnetic Effects and Electronic Warfare and Sensor Systems divisions, and as director of the former Irregular Warfare Office, completing assignments at the U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Central Command.

Clift earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mary Washington and was recently inducted into UMW’s College of Business Hall of Fame. She holds master’s degrees in national security and strategic studies – with a concentration in insurgency and terrorism – from the United States Naval War College, and in engineering systems from the Naval Postgraduate School. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in engineering at The George Washington University.

Clift also holds a certificate in systems engineering and a diploma in joint professional military education. She is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community and a recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.