ADMIRAL MICHELLE J. HOWARD, USN (RETIRED). First Female U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral. A ground-breaking leader during her 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, Michelle Howard was the first female to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice-chief of naval operations. Also, she was the first African-American woman to reach the rank of three-star and four stars in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first African-American woman to command a ship in the Navy. A gifted speaker, Admiral Howard instantly connects with audiences with warmth and humor. Her keynotes address leadership, cybersecurity, diversity, innovation and team building. To each, she lends experience gained from three decades on the front lines and the highest levels of national defense. Bringing the empowering insights of an African-American woman who spent her career shattering glass ceilings and breaking new ground, she continues to motivate others with her highly inspirational presence.

Tickets are FREE for UNCW students, faculty, staff, and general admission and available now through the UNCW Kenan Auditorium Box Office at uncwarts.universitytickets.com.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Celebration Lecture is an annual event coordinated by the Upperman African American Cultural Center within the Department of Campus Life. Questions about the MLK Celebration Lecture can be directed to Campus Activities & Programs at clprograms@uncw.edu.