Visiting Mississppi State University, Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré had a clear message to deliver to students and faculty: leadership for the 21st Century. A native of Lakeland, La., Honoré received a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University in 1971. He also has a Master of Administration in Human Resources from Troy State University along with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Southern University A&M,  An Honorary Doctorate in Law from Stillman College, Virginia State University and Loyola University.
Now retired, Honoré has held numerous command posts within the United States Army such as commanding general, deputy commanding general, assistant division commander and brigade commander. With such an extensive background in authority, Honoré now lends his time in providing speaking engagements focused on leadership.
“21st Century leadership is to have a mission and a purpose; to teach students to lead, they must first learn to do the routine things well and not be afraid to take on the impossible, even if being criticized.”
Known by much of the public as “The Ragin’ Cajun,” it was Honoré’s take-charge attitude during Hurricane Katrina that brought him much admiration from the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Graduate student Jeremy Hall, of Pontotoc concentrates his studies on Student Affairs at Mississippi  State and co-founder of The Maroon Volunteer Center said, “I have family on the coast and good friends who lost their homes and all their belongings. I felt it was my obligation to hear the Lt. General speak.”
Echoing those same sentiments of obligation was Barbara Spencer of the Mississippi State Business School, whose office was in charge of bringing Honoré to the campus to speak.
Honoré’s leadership skills now transcend the battlefield and focus on boardrooms and the classrooms of America.
“I’m not worried about those of you who are already in college,” he said
“I’m worried about those who are not. America makes it too easy for kids to drop out.”
Honoré also urges students and faculty to not look at the growth of the nation’s population as a threat but an opportunity for growth.
“To every generation there is a challenge. The challenge now is the retention rate within our high schools,” he said.
Honoré is also passionate about the country being prepared for natural disasters. His book, “Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save America and You from Disasters,” provides essentials on being prepared for hurricanes and tornadoes prevalent, especially on the Gulf Coast. Some of Honoré’s tips include having three-days worth of emergency food, a certified weather radio and an emergency first-aid kit. It is his belief in being prepared that has won Honoré much admiration. 
Yet, with his commanding voice  and tall stature that belies his easy-natured attitude, many of Honoré’s fans wanted to know if he has considered a run for public office, to which this John Wayne Dude” laughs and says, “If I were running for office I wouldn’t have said half the things I said.”