Maj. Gen. Russel Honore`, commander of U.S. Northern Command’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters- Homeland Security, in Norfolk, Va. was bestowed an honorary Ph.D. in Public Administration on Friday, August 1, 2003. The award followed Honore`’s delivery of the keynote address at the Southern University and A&M College’s Summer Commencement in Baton Rouge, La.
Honore` is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. In presenting the honorary degree, University Chancellor Edward R. Jackson praised Honore` for his service and leadership and as an outstanding example of a graduate from Southern University and A&M College, a historically Black College and University located in Baton Rouge, La. Honore` is the only one of nine general officers who have graduated from Southern still serving on active duty.
A Louisiana native, Honore`was warmly received by the University. Said C. Norman St. Amant, dean of the University’s junior division, of Honore` “He truly represents the American dream.”
Some 240 students received degrees during the summer commencement and an estimated 2,000 spectators were in attendance. During his speech, Honore` applauded the students for their hard work and challenged them to “do the right thing” as they moved into the next stage of their lives.
Honore` was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in 1971 and holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources from Troy State University as well as a Bachelor Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University and A&M College. He has held numerous command and staff positions, including Commanding General, 2d Infantry Division, Korea; Vice Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.; Deputy Commanding General/Assistant Commandant, United States Army Infantry Center and School, Fort Benning, Ga.; Assistant Division Commander, Maneuver / Support, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Brigade Commander, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; Senior Mechanized Observer / Controller, “Scorpion 07”, National Training Center (25 Rotations); and Commander, 4th Battalion, 16th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Germany.
Honore`’s personal awards and decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.