Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Joe Hartman will advise the university on cyber, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and partnerships with the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. 
 
Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman, U.S. Army (Retired), former acting director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and acting commander of U.S. Cyber Command, has joined UW–Madison as a National Security Fellow and Special Advisor to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

In these roles, Hartman will advise university leadership on cyber, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies such as quantum, defense innovation, and partnerships with the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, supporting the university’s efforts to advance national security research, education and innovation. He will work closely with the Wisconsin Initiative on National Security (WINS), the university’s front door for national security research, education and partnerships. 
 
Hartman retired from the U.S. Army in May 2026 after 37 years of military service. In his final assignments, he helped lead a combined workforce of approximately 80,000 personnel across NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, overseeing worldwide cyber operations, intelligence activities and strategic partnerships. He previously served as Deputy Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Commander of the Cyber National Mission Force, with earlier senior assignments in U.S. Army Cyber Command, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and the Joint Special Operations Command. 
 
“Few people have seen the intersection of technology and national security from the vantage point General Hartman has,” said Dave Schroeder, director of national security initiatives in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and co-lead of WINS. “He led the organizations that defend the nation in cyberspace during a period of enormous change in artificial intelligence, quantum and the threat environment itself. Having his expertise as we expand the university’s national security research enterprise is a remarkable opportunity for our faculty, our students and our partners.” 
 
The relationship comes as UW–Madison expands its national security research efforts. Part of the $27 million investment announced this year by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation will fund the launch of a new institute for national security, building on the work of WINS, to coordinate and grow the university’s portfolio of unclassified, dual-use research with defense and intelligence partners. 

“UW–Madison is one of the nation’s leading research universities, with strengths that align closely with our country’s most pressing security needs, from quantum science and fusion energy to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and brain health,” said Dorota Grejner-Brzezińska, vice chancellor for research. “Joe brings deep operational experience and a clear understanding of what national security partners need from a university. His guidance will help us connect UW–Madison’s research to the people and agencies who can put it to use.” 
 
UW–Madison holds the National Security Agency’s Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research designation and is a founding member of U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network. The university’s researchers work across major quantum science domains, operate multiple experimental fusion devices and lead federally supported efforts in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, materials and biosecurity.

“Wisconsin has the research depth, the talent, and the willingness to engage that national security work requires,” said Hartman. “During my career I saw how much the mission depends on universities: for the science, for the people and for the partnerships that turn ideas into capabilities. I am honored to help UW–Madison strengthen those connections and to work with faculty and students who want their research to serve the country.” 

Commissioned through the ROTC program at the University of South Alabama, Hartman holds a master’s degree in military strategy and operational art, is a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies and is a former Central Intelligence Agency Fellow. He completed executive education and certificate programs in national security, artificial intelligence, data, and emerging technology strategy at Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. He is a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and a recipient of the George Washington Spymaster Award. 
 
Since retiring from the Army, Hartman has advised organizations on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, national security and emerging technologies, and continues to support initiatives advancing national security innovation, defense technology, and public-private collaboration. 
 
About the Wisconsin Initiative on National Security 
 
The Wisconsin Initiative on National Security (WINS) is UW–Madison’s front door for national security research, partnerships, and education. Housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, WINS connects mission partners in government, industry, and the defense and intelligence communities with the university’s researchers, facilities and students. Learn more at nationalsecurity.wisc.edu.