Colin Powell
Colin Powell has amassed a distinguished record of achievement as a public servant and leader, culminating in his service as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush from January 2001 to January 2005. During his 35-year career in the United States Army, Powell rose to the rank of Four-Star General and served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. Previously he was National Security Advisor to President Reagan. He was the founding chairman of America’s Promise — The Alliance for Youth, established in 1997 to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Powell has received numerous military and civilian honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and SMU’s John G. Tower Center Medal of Freedom. His awards from more than 20 countries include the French Legion of Honor and honorary knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell grew up in New York City. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York, he began his military career as an Army second lieutenant. He later earned an M.B.A. degree from George Washington University. Powell is the author of a best-selling autobiography, My American Journey.