|  Mayor Ray Nagin told reporters that
when Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré stepped off the helicopter in
New Orleans, he “started cussing and people started moving.” Described
by some as the “ragin’ Cajun” and a “John
Wayne dude,” Honoré won wide praise from the public
and the media for his leadership in overseeing the military’s
efforts to secure the Gulf Coast and help residents there recover
after Hurricane Katrina.
He will be coming to the University of Arkansas Feb. 12 to speak
on “Leadership: Building a Culture of Preparedness” at
6:30 p.m. in Giffels Auditorium, Old Main. The African American
Studies Program and the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and
Sciences are sponsoring his visit.
When Katrina struck in 2005 as a Category 5 hurricane, the devastation
was more than anyone could have imagined. Images of New Orleans
drowning in the waters of the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain
and of the dire conditions at the Louisiana Superdome and Convention
Center showed the world that the United States was ill-equipped
and unprepared to deal with a natural disaster of such epic proportions.
In contrast to questionable leadership shown by other individuals,
Honoré emerged as an undeniably strong leader who changed
the course of the disaster’s aftermath.
A native of Lakeland, La., Honoré swept into New Orleans,
surveyed the destruction and took charge, bringing the city back
under control and starting the long process of putting it back
together.
With a trademark swagger and commanding personality, Honoré is
a no-nonsense career soldier who always speaks his mind. While
in charge of the entire Army east of the Mississippi, he brought
leadership to New Orleans, reminding soldiers to lower their weapons
and help those in need, creating a more positive atmosphere as
rebuilding began.
Since his command of Joint Task Force Katrina, Honoré has
brought the lessons of Katrina to organizations and universities
around the country. An expert on preparedness and responding to
catastrophe, he offers insights into protecting people and organizations,
outlining the principles necessary to lead through unexpected,
uncontrollable crises.
Honoré’s lengthy career has taken him around the world,
from Korea to Germany and the entire United States. He has many
awards and distinctions, including the Defense Distinguished Service
Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit,
and a Bronze Star.
A native of Lakeland in Pointe
Coupee Parish, La., and youngest of 12 children, Honoré earned
a bachelor of science degree in vocational agriculture from Southern
University and A&M College in 1971. He also holds a master
of arts in human resources from Troy State University as well as
an honorary doctorate in public administration from Southern University
and A&M College.
CONTACT:
Charles Robinson, director, African American Studies Program
J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
(479) 575-7955, cfrobins@uark.edu
Lynn Fisher, communications director
Fulbright College
(479) 575-7272, lfisher@uark.edu
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