February 7, 2012

Retired special agent in charge to visit Harding

Retired Special Agent in Charge Bruce Tully will visit Harding University Feb. 7-8 to counsel with the International Programs office and students attending overseas campuses. Based on his 30 years of experience in the United States Secret Service, White House and Foreign Missions Division Tully will also visit with the Public Safety department and Global Outreach program to discuss ways to better protect students.

In 2010 Tully was presenting at a conference when Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, dean of International Programs, first came in contact with him. After being impressed by Tully’s presentation, Hopper invited him to the University’s campus. Tully first visited campus last year and met with students enrolled to attend international campuses for the upcoming semesters. Though it was successful, his itinerary this year involves more customized sessions.

During his visit, Tully will teach a political science class and a geography class discussing the Arab Spring and its implications. He will also meet with the Global Outreach program and attend a briefing with administrators in the Public Safety department.

“The entire International Programs staff and the Harding Public Safety Office consider the security of our students a top priority,” Hopper said. “Over the years Mr. Tully has established and operated several regional security offices for the United States Department of State.  For the second time he is bringing that expertise to our campus for the benefit of our students and faculty.”  

With more than 30 years of diplomatic security service, Tully has worked in extensive international security support service under dangerous and critical threat conditions including Cairo, Islamabad and Beirut. He was an Agent-in-Charge of high-risk and high-profile protective details involving Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles and Israeli Peace Talks leaders. Over his years of service, he has received four Departmental Meritorious Honor Awards and a Superior Honor Award. He was nominated for Security Professional of the Year for Outstanding Professionalism as a United States Law Enforcement Officer and Diplomat in U.S. Embassy Operations Indonesia.

“We are grateful not only for the expertise Mr. Tully shares with us but for the friendship that has developed among the International Programs office, Mr. Tully and the Harding Office of Public Safety," Hopper said. “I sleep better at night knowing that Mr. Tully is watching out for us."