In part of the Harbert College of Business’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, the University will host retired U.S. Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey Wednesday, Nov. 29.
The free event will have the decorated combat veteran who held high-profile roles in the Pentagon and the White House discussing “Lessons in Leadership” in Foy Hall Auditorium.
“It is a great honor to welcome Gen. McCaffrey to Auburn University, and we are delighted to offer this opportunity to students, faculty, staff and members of the campus community,” said Harbert College of Business Dean and Wells Fargo Professor Bill Hardgrave.
McCaffrey served in the Army for 32 years, retiring in 1996 as its most decorated general with three Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat, two Distinguished Service Crosses, the nation’s second-highest award for valor, and two Silver Stars for valor.
McCaffrey was the youngest general to attain a four-star rank.
McCaffrey served four combat tours with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1st Calvary Division and the 24th Infantry Division and served as Commander-in-Chief for U.S. Southern Command from 1994 to 1996. McCaffrey was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning in 2007 and earned the U.S. Army’s “Doughboy Award” for outstanding contributions to the infantry in 2015.
“Gen. McCaffrey has a well-earned reputation for being a dynamic speaker, and one whose range of expertise encompasses problem-solving and complex management issues,” Hardgrave said. “Given his background as a military leader, cabinet member and, now, a businessman, Gen. McCaffrey will offer unique perspectives on leadership and problem-solving that will be applicable to a variety of settings.”
The founder and president of his own consulting firm, Virginia-based BR McCaffrey Associates, McCaffrey also serves as a national security and terrorism analyst for NBC News.
From 1996 to 2001, McCaffrey served as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, commonly known as the “Drug Czar,” during the Clinton Administration. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an Associate of the Inter-American Dialogue. McCaffrey was also part of the principal negotiation team for the START II Nuclear Arms Control Treaty.
McCaffrey’s speech was rescheduled to Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m. after being postponed in September due to severe weather.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
