Elizabeth M. Phu serves as Chancellor of the College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC) at the National Defense University (NDU), bringing 25 years of experience in U.S. defense policy and national security.
Prior to joining CIC, Ms. Phu served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) for Policy. A career member of the Senior Executive Service, she also held key leadership roles within OSD, including Principal Director for Cyber Policy and Principal Director for the Secretariat for Special Operations, where she oversaw the organization, training, and equipping of U.S. Special Operations Forces.
Ms. Phu has twice served on the National Security Council Staff, first as Director for Southeast Asia in 2007-2009 and then again as Director for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and East Asian Security Affairs in 2013-2015. Within the Department of Defense, she has held positions such as Director for Space Engagement Policy, Director for Global Threats, Country Director for Southeast Asia, and Assistant for NATO Policy.
She previously served as Assistant Professor of National Security Policy and Strategy and the OSD Chair at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at NDU. She was also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Ms. Phu is a graduate of the Eisenhower School, where she earned a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy and received the Commandant’s Award for Excellence in Research and Writing. She also holds a Master of Pacific International Affairs with a focus on Southeast Asia from the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with high honors from the University of California, Berkeley.
Her service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award in 2024, two Office of the Secretary of Defense Medals for Exceptional Civilian Service, and commendations from the National Security Council and the Department of the Treasury.
Ms. Phu was a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy.