Secretary of State Colin Powell
Biography
Government policy experience: 35 years in the U.S. Army, rising to rank of general and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993); national security adviser during the Reagan Administration.
Other work experience: Following his retirement, Powell wrote a best-selling autobiography and launched a career as a public speaker, addressing audiences across the United States and overseas. In April 1997 he chaired the President's Summit for America's Future, subsequently becoming chairman of America's Promise -- the Alliance for Youth, the national non-profit group aimed at improving the lives of the nation's young people that grew out of the summit's deliberations.
Education: B.S. in Geology, City College of New York; M.B.A., George Washington University.
President Bush on Powell: "Today America calls on Colin Powell again. He is a leader who understands that America must work closely with our friends in times of calm if we want them to be -- if we want to be able to call upon them in times of crisis."
President Bush on Powell: "I know of no better person to be the face and voice of American diplomacy than Colin L. Powell. Wherever he goes, and whomever he meets, the world will see the finest of the United States of America. In this office, he follows in the footsteps not only of Jefferson, but also of one of his personal heroes, General George C. Marshall. And I would say of General Powell what Harry Truman said of General Marshall. He is a tower of strength and common sense. When you find somebody like that, you have to hang on to them. I have found such a man."
Background: Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions and rose to the rank of a four-star General. His last assignment from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993 was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf War. Following his retirement, Powell wrote his best-selling autobiography, My American Journey, which was published in 1995.
Powell was born in New York City on April 5, 1937. His parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Powell graduated from the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a bachelor's degree in geology. He also participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University.
Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards and decorations. His civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy's Distinguished Service Medal. Several schools and other institutions have been named in his honor, and he holds honorary degrees from universities and colleges across the country.