A distinguished military career led to General Martin Dempsey being named one of the "100 most influential leaders in the world" by TIME magazine.
Gen. Martin Dempsey
General Dempsey is best known as the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an appointment that made him the senior officer in the Armed Forces and the principal military advisor to the secretary of defense and to the President. A longstanding military career, 41 years to be exact, began in the United States Military Academy at West Point as a cadet. He eventually rose to the rank of a four-star General, the highest rank achievable, and onto the path of being one of the most influential leaders in the world.
Not only is his venerable military career one to be admired, but so is his love for lifelong learning. He has earned three master’s degrees, one of which includes an MA in Literature from Duke University. In the mid 1980s, General Dempsey joined the English Department at West Point as an assistant professor, eventually becoming an associate professor. He continues his academic pursuit as a David Rubenstein Fellow at Duke University. As a Fellow, General Dempsey teaches at the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Fuqua Business School.
Between his educational background in literature and the summers he spent in Ireland as a child, General Dempsey has been known to not only quote Shakespeare but to also give renditions of well know Irish songs. He is also one of few U.S. Generals to be knighted by the Queen of England for his “steadfast commitment” to defense cooperation. An apparent “enthusiastic Anglophile”, Martin Dempsey was bestowed the honor of Honorary Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his leadership that acted as “a driving force behind closer collaboration in all aspects of policy, operations and welfare.” Throughout his years in public service, General Dempsey has been known to “foster trust and understanding between the U.K.’s Ministry of Defense and the Pentagon.” And only if he were British would he be able to carry the title “Sir.”
General Dempsey continues his dedication to service and leadership as USA Basketball Chairman. USA Basketball is the governing body for the sport of basketball on behalf of the US Olympic Committee and is responsible for preparing teams to compete internationally on behalf of the United States in world championships and Olympic competitions. The non-profit organization strives to develop the skills, values, and leadership of America’s youth through basketball and field championship teams at every level of competition.
His leadership continues (not only in the armed forces) but on the basketball court as an advisor to the National Basketball Association (NBA) and chairman of the Junior NBA Leadership Council where he counsels the entire NBA family on leadership development and social responsibility. His military career comes in handy as he mentors players, coaches, referees, and owners on the value of teamwork, discipline, diversity, and inclusion. A feat that only a well-rounded and respected individual, like Martin Dempsey, could accomplish.
And if all that wasn’t enough, General Dempsey is also a Senior Fellow at Starfish Leadership, an organization that “helps develop self-aware leaders who embrace the ideals of a results-oriented, empowering approach that engenders employee engagement, commitment, and personal growth.”
With this extensive background in leadership, it is no great mystery that General Dempsey was named one of the “100 most influential leaders in the world” in recent years. A distinguished man, a distinguished career, a distinguished honor to have General Martin Dempsey join Lesley University at Symphony Hall in Boston.