John Herrington
Commander, USN (Ret) and NASA Astronaut (Chickasaw Nation); Educator and Storyteller
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: $12,000–$20,000 [FEE NOTE]
TRAVELS FROM: Montana
RELATED TOPICS: Adventurer & Explorer, Astronaut & Aviator, Education & Literacy, Inspiring Personal Stories, STEM
John B. Herrington, is the first member of a federally recognized tribe (Chickasaw) to travel to space. He is a Distinguished Naval Graduate from Aviation Officer Candidate School, awarded Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and various other service awards. He is the recipient of two honorary Doctorates of Science. One from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the other from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
John B. Herrington, Ph.D. (Chickasaw) was the first member of a federally recognized tribe to travel to space. Like many children in the 1960s, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Although Herrington held tight to his goal of flying in space, his path to the astronaut corps was far from what one might expect. A lack of motivation as a freshman in college, his interest in rock climbing instead captured his imagination and he was subsequently suspended from college with a 1.72 GPA.
Using his expertise as a rock climber, Herrington found work as a member of a survey crew in the Colorado mountains. Exposed to the practical application of real world mathematics, he found the passion for learning that had eluded him. Following the advice of the lead project engineer, Herrington returned to college and graduated with an engineering degree. He was also fortunate to meet a retired Navy captain who encouraged him to apply to the Navy, which led to a 22-year career as a Naval Aviator, test pilot, and astronaut.
His historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was the culmination of years of experience and training with men and women with diverse cultural and technical backgrounds, and provided Herrington with a unique perspective that he enjoys sharing with audiences worldwide. “From lift off to completing three space walks, mission STS-113 was more exciting and challenging than I could have imagined.” But Herrington’s work didn’t stop when he returned to earth. After a successful career as an astronaut, he ventured into the commercial space arena and eventually found a new passion.
Following a 4,300-mile bicycle ride across the United States, Herrington returned to university and earned a doctorate in Education. With humility and humor, John shares his stories of challenge, leadership, motivation, and mentorship with diverse audiences of all ages and occupations. His multimedia presentations inspire and entertain, and challenge people to seek out the best in themselves and in service to others.
Anyone who is interested in trying to find a new way to inspire themselves or their communities will find Commander Herrington’s stories of struggle, mentorship, and persistence a welcome reminder that our dreams and goals are gifts to pursue and enjoy with the world.
Using his expertise as a rock climber, Herrington found work as a member of a survey crew in the Colorado mountains. Exposed to the practical application of real world mathematics, he found the passion for learning that had eluded him. Following the advice of the lead project engineer, Herrington returned to college and graduated with an engineering degree. He was also fortunate to meet a retired Navy captain who encouraged him to apply to the Navy, which led to a 22-year career as a Naval Aviator, test pilot, and astronaut.
His historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was the culmination of years of experience and training with men and women with diverse cultural and technical backgrounds, and provided Herrington with a unique perspective that he enjoys sharing with audiences worldwide. “From lift off to completing three space walks, mission STS-113 was more exciting and challenging than I could have imagined.” But Herrington’s work didn’t stop when he returned to earth. After a successful career as an astronaut, he ventured into the commercial space arena and eventually found a new passion.
Following a 4,300-mile bicycle ride across the United States, Herrington returned to university and earned a doctorate in Education. With humility and humor, John shares his stories of challenge, leadership, motivation, and mentorship with diverse audiences of all ages and occupations. His multimedia presentations inspire and entertain, and challenge people to seek out the best in themselves and in service to others.
Anyone who is interested in trying to find a new way to inspire themselves or their communities will find Commander Herrington’s stories of struggle, mentorship, and persistence a welcome reminder that our dreams and goals are gifts to pursue and enjoy with the world.
- Living Your Dreams
- I Dreamed of Being an Astronaut
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- Education Makes Dreams Come True
“WOW!!!...Thank you again so much for helping us make this opportunity a reality!! Just as we anticipated - he was engaging, insightful, articulate, relatable....could go on and on!”
-Director of Indian Education, Redwood Valley High School
“Both you [Key Speakers] and John Herrington were amazing to work with. You made every effort to be accommodating and to carefully address all the details. And John was exceptionally generous, fun, engaging and inspiring. John was definitely one of the most popular guests and everyone wanted to get their picture with him, which he always obliged. He was at all times cheerful, even when we were transporting him to early morning on-air interviews in frigid temperatures, or dashing him away from one event to another. All of us connected with the DisruptED conference would like to express our sincere thanks to Commander Herrington for being such a kind, open-minded and inspiring guest. We would recommend him as a speaker to any other organization in a heartbeat.”
-Chief Marketing Officer, Information Communication Technologies Association of Manitoba
“John Herrington was amazing! Only good words from both staff and students. He had us laughing and kept the students entertained. All the students had numerous questions and he answered as much as he could in the time he had. He is definitely great with kids, and we appreciate him coming to our band schools. Thank you so much.”
-PSE Coordinator, Penticton Indian Band Education Department
-Director of Indian Education, Redwood Valley High School
“Both you [Key Speakers] and John Herrington were amazing to work with. You made every effort to be accommodating and to carefully address all the details. And John was exceptionally generous, fun, engaging and inspiring. John was definitely one of the most popular guests and everyone wanted to get their picture with him, which he always obliged. He was at all times cheerful, even when we were transporting him to early morning on-air interviews in frigid temperatures, or dashing him away from one event to another. All of us connected with the DisruptED conference would like to express our sincere thanks to Commander Herrington for being such a kind, open-minded and inspiring guest. We would recommend him as a speaker to any other organization in a heartbeat.”
-Chief Marketing Officer, Information Communication Technologies Association of Manitoba
“John Herrington was amazing! Only good words from both staff and students. He had us laughing and kept the students entertained. All the students had numerous questions and he answered as much as he could in the time he had. He is definitely great with kids, and we appreciate him coming to our band schools. Thank you so much.”
-PSE Coordinator, Penticton Indian Band Education Department
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