The University of South Carolina Upstate will feature retired four-star U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell for its seventh annual Dr. John B. Edmunds Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series. The event, named in honor of USC Upstate’s first hired professor, will be at 7 p.m. March 19 in the G.B. Hodge Center in Spartanburg. 

The lecture series, which is sponsored by the department of history, political science, philosophy and American studies, seeks to bring influential scholars and leaders to the campus. Past speakers include Peggy Noonan, Bob Woodward, Jon Meacham, and retired admiral and 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Jim Stavridis.

Powell, who is also a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is scheduled to speak about leadership, taking inspiration from his time in several U.S. presidential administrations as well as during his tenure serving in the military. His lecture is part of USC Upstate’s push to bring a more diverse and globally-minded group of distinguished guests to campus. The hope, organizers of the event said, is that students will be motivated by these eminent figures.

The series gives students “a unique opportunity to hear from figures that are changing or have changed our world,” said Rob McCormick, interim dean of USC Upstate’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “Ultimately, the series is committed to enhancing the student experience, by providing greater insight into the historical and current issues that have and do challenge our country and the world.”

Powell is an obvious choice for the series, McCormick said, due to his integrity and immense influence on U.S. policy that spanned decades: “He fits perfectly the goals and ambitions of the series.” 

Tickets for the event are $25. 

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