Powering the Future:
Universities and the Global
Energy Landscape
Geopolitics and the Future Global Order
Examines how shifting geopolitical dynamics, great power competition, and evolving security challenges are reshaping the future global order — and what they mean for leadership and institutional strategy in an increasingly complex world.
General David Petraeus
US Army (Ret.) · Former Director, CIA · Former Commander, US Central Command
Partner, KKR · Kissinger Fellow, Yale Jackson School
About the Symposium
An annual convening for informed dialogue on the
global forces shaping the future of higher education.
The TCU Global Futures Symposium is an annual convening hosted by Texas Christian University. Organized by TCU Global — TCU's central unit for advancing comprehensive internationalization, global partnerships, and international engagement — the symposium examines major global developments shaping the years ahead and their implications for higher education, research, and international collaboration.
Each year, the symposium centers on a critical global issue requiring informed leadership and strategic understanding. Bringing together scholars, policymakers, and international education leaders from around the world, it provides a neutral, apolitical forum for informed dialogue, comparative perspective, and cross-sector exchange.
"A platform for forward-looking insight and strategic discussion, creating space to engage complex global challenges and consider the evolving role of universities in shaping the future."
Program & Agenda
2026 Program & Agenda
Energy remains one of the most consequential forces shaping the global economy, international relations, and national security. The 2026 Symposium examines the intersection of energy systems, geopolitical dynamics, and higher education.
9:00 AM - 3:45 PM CT
Full Day Event
May 8, 2026
Friday
4 Sessions
Including Keynote
Participants arrive, check in, and connect informally with fellow attendees.
Dr. Susan Weeks
Executive Vice Provost
Texas Christian University
Dr. AnneLiese Busch
Director of TCU Global & Senior International Officer
Texas Christian University
Examines how energy transitions, geopolitical competition, and evolving policy frameworks are reshaping global systems.
Speaker: Dr. Tom Seng
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice
Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University
Moderator: Ms. Nikki Morris
Executive Director
Ralph Lowe Energy Institute
Examines how political and economic shifts across Central and South America are influencing regional energy dynamics.
Speaker: Mr. Jose Pereira
Former CEO, Citgo Petroleum
Author, From Hero to Villain & Unbreakable
Moderator: Ms. Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick
President and CEO
Texas International Education Consortium
Lunch
12:00 – 1:30 PMExamines how evolving political, security, and economic dynamics in the Middle East are shaping global energy markets.
Speaker: Dr. Vali Nasr
Majid Khadduri Professor, SAIS
Johns Hopkins University
Moderator: Dr. Jill E. Blondin
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Virginia Commonwealth University
Coffee & Snack Break
2:30 – 2:45 PMExamines how shifting geopolitical dynamics, great power competition, and evolving security challenges are reshaping the future global order — and what they mean for leadership and institutional strategy.
Speaker: General David Petraeus
US Army (Ret.) · Partner, KKR · Former Director, CIA
KKR Global Institute · Kissinger Fellow, Yale University Jackson School
Moderator: Dr. AnneLiese Busch
Director of TCU Global & Senior International Officer
Texas Christian University
Distinguished Voices
Speakers & Moderators
Speakers
General David Petraeus
General, US Army (Ret.) · Partner, KKR · Former Director, CIA
One of the leading battlefield commanders and strategists of our time. Served over 37 years in the US military, commanded the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. Subsequently served as Director of the CIA. Kissinger Fellow at Yale's Jackson School.
Dr. Tom Seng
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Neeley School of Business, TCU
Expert in energy finance and markets at TCU's Neeley School of Business, with deep expertise in global energy transitions and their economic implications.
Mr. Jose Pereira
Former CEO, Citgo Petroleum · Author
Former CEO of Citgo Petroleum with decades of experience in the Latin American energy sector. Author of 'From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the Citgo6' and 'Unbreakable.'
Dr. Vali Nasr
Majid Khadduri Professor, SAIS, Johns Hopkins University
Distinguished scholar of Middle Eastern politics, Islam, and US foreign policy. Author of numerous acclaimed books on the region's geopolitics and energy dynamics.
Moderators
Dr. AnneLiese Busch
Director of TCU Global & Senior International Officer
Texas Christian University
Ms. Nikki Morris
Executive Director
Ralph Lowe Energy Institute
Ms. Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick
President and CEO
Texas International Education Consortium
Dr. Jill E. Blondin
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Virginia Commonwealth University
Secure Your Place
Space is limited to approximately 320 participants. Registration includes full access to all sessions, symposium materials, refreshments, and lunch.
Standard Registration
Full access pass
Association Partner Rate
For eligible partner organizations
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
1300 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Travel Logistics
Closest Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Approximately 30–40 minutes to downtown Fort Worth. The venue is located in the heart of downtown, offering easy access to world-class dining, cultural institutions, and the historic Sundance Square.
Association Partners & Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our partners in helping to launch the TCU Global Futures Symposium.
