Davis & Elkins College is privileged to have Dave Morrison, PhD, member of D&E’s Class of ‘79 and founder of the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy, as its “Scholar-in-Residence.”
Morrison began postsecondary education as a student of Davis & Elkins College, where he would receive a Bachelor of Science degree as a major of Political Science in 1979. He would go on to obtain a Master of Public Policy from the University of Maryland – School of Public Affairs in 1985 before embarking on an illustrious career with the Federal Government. Morrison attended the graduate institution of Princeton Theological Seminary in pursuit of a Master of Divinity degree in 2016 and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the same seminary in 2024.
“I am thrilled to return to my alma mater,” says Morrison. “Davis & Elkins College is truly a unique institution – blessed with fine leadership, dedicated faculty and engaging students. I am quite grateful to President Wood, Dean Phillips and all others who made this opportunity possible. What a privilege to ‘come full circle’ and yet, to quote President Wood, ‘The journey continues!’”
Morrison’s career in Federal government began in 1985 as a budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) National Security Division. From 1990-1995, he served as a professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee/Defense Subcommittee. During this time, Morrison was regarded as one of the leading experts on U.S. military combat readiness and war operations. In 1995, he returned to OMB as the Deputy Chief of the National Security Division, and eventually became the Deputy Associate Director in 1997. As such, Morrison was the President’s senior advisor on the Defense budget and a regular participant in National Security Council meetings and White House activities. From 2003-2008, he served as Staff Director/Clerk of the House Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations. In this position, Morrison was responsible for developing legislation to fund all U.S. national defense programs and operations, and served as a key advisor to Speaker Nancy Pelosi on national security issues.
Following a 23-year career in Federal government, Morrison would retire as Corporate Vice President for The Boeing Company in 2012, a position he held for four years prior to attending Princeton seminary. He is a former trustee of Davis & Elkins College, remaining in this role until term-limiting off in June of this year. Here, Morrison would chair the Academic Affairs and Religious Life committees during his three consecutive terms. Together with his wife, Phebe Novakovic, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the General Dynamics corporation, they would become co-founding sponsors of the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy on the D&E campus.
D&E Class of ’24 graduate and current Program and Research Assistant of Morrison-Novakovic Center, Thijs Terlouw, states, “It is both a privilege and a meaningful responsibility to be part of the Morrison-Novakovic Center, with its commitment to fostering civil discourse and positive change. I am thankful to Dr. Morrison for providing me this opportunity.”
Current residents of the Center express similar gratitude, with junior Jillian Griffin noting, “David Morrison has given me the opportunity at Davis & Elkins College to excel in a Center that houses many others who are similar to me. His sponsorship of the Morrison-Novakovic Center has given me the confidence to make changes on campus and make the Center a welcoming and open atmosphere. He has kindly supported our educational and extracurricular endeavors. Being one of his students is an amazing experience, and I am glad to be in his class. His education and infectious enthusiasm speak volumes to his character, and he always makes sure everyone is heard.”
The Morrison-Novakovic Center remains dedicated to providing an open space where students, faculty, visiting scholars and others can explore issues of faith, and social and public policy beyond what is learned in the classroom. The residents of the Center assist with leadership and programming that revolves around five broad themes: faith traditions, public policy, ethics, sustainability, and service.
Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood states, “It is an honor to welcome D&E alumnus Dr. David Morrison as a Scholar in Residence for this academic year. Dr. Morrison brings a lifetime of experience and scholarly background to share with students at his alma mater, and he cares deeply about this college and its future. From personal experience, I know David’s passion and dedication, and I am deeply grateful he is sharing both with our students.”
Morrison’s career is further substantiated by his many awards and speaking opportunities, including the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal in 2000 for his work with OMB, an award held in highest regard as given by the Secretary of Defense to non-military personnel. In 2007, Morrison was named one of the 50 most influential staff members on Capitol Hill by National Journal. In recognition of his works and influence, Morrison has been invited to lecture at or on behalf of more than a dozen universities, colleges, institutions, centers, organizations, and departments on topics of U.S. Congressional and Executive budgeting policy and practice; national security policy and budgeting; Congressional Appropriations process; war and terrorism.
