Chaplain (Colonel) Khallid M. Shabazz to Deliver Address at Lincoln University of Missouri’s Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

Distinguished scholar, military officer and spiritual leader, Chaplain (Colonel) Khallid M. Shabazz, Ph.D., D. Min., will provide insight to young officers as the guest speaker at Lincoln University of Missouri’s Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, December 15, 2023. With 31 years of experience, Shabazz will provide invaluable advice to newly commissioned officers as they prepare for their upcoming journeys into the military.

“Soldiers deserve outstanding leadership and it's your job to provide a sterling example of what that leadership looks like every day,” Shabazz says.

Shabazz is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, and holds two doctorate degrees, one in higher education administration from Trident University International and another in ministry from North Texas Theological Seminary in Tyler, Texas. He says his motivation for joining the military was to gain discipline and purpose.

“Those are the key principles, and if carried out with passion, they can lead to a very successful career in the military,” Shabazz says. “The military is about discipline, purpose, and dedication, and those who embody those principles do very well in the military.”

Shabazz’s illustrious military career includes significant assignments as the Command Chaplain for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) 3RD Army, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AMMDC), I Corps, 7th Infantry Division and senior advisor on religious affairs at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Shabazz has received numerous awards and recognitions for his exceptional service, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and eight Meritorious Service Medals.

Shabazz says the most impactful moment of his career was when he was kicked out of the military as an E-4, and a command sergeant major told him he wanted to be his mentor.

“He saw something valuable in me,” he says. “He changed the trajectory of my life and made me believe that people actually cared about helping and rehabilitating people who didn’t have the best upbringing. He made me believe the Army was the place for second changes. He was right!”

Shabazz is a well-sought-after writer and commentator, and his work has been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Arab Times, Army and The New York Times. An accomplished author of three books, Shabazz's work delves into faith, culture, self-esteem and the path to peace.

Shabazz says that “leadership is a sermon,” so you must “be careful how you preach it.” His advice for LU’s newly commissioned ROTC cadets?

“1). Be intentional,” Shabazz says. “2). Ability is what you’re capable of doing. 3). Motivation determines what you do. 4). Attitude determines how well you do it.”

The 2023 Fall Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony will take place 10-11 a.m. in Pawley Theatre, MLK Hall, 812 E. Dunklin St., Jefferson City, Missouri.