General Larry Ellis, originally from Maryland, was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) from Morgan State University in 1968 and commissioned an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). 

General Ellis quickly advanced in his career, leading a platoon and company during combat operations in Vietnam. Over the course of more than 35 years in the U.S. Army, he held leadership roles at every level, from platoon leader to Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command. His career was marked by a series of worldwide assignments in several operational environments. 

In 2001, General Ellis was promoted to the rank of four-star general, becoming the fourth African American in the history of the U.S. Army to achieve this distinction. Notably, he was the first African American four-star general to have graduated from Morgan State University and a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). 

General Ellis commanded units within the U.S. European Command in Germany; he led the First Armored Division and Task Force Eagle during its deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also served with the United Nations Command in South Korea as the chief operations officer for all forces on the Korean Peninsula. His expertise extended to strategic planning and policy work in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. 

At the Pentagon, General Ellis held several senior staff positions, including the role of Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Training for the Department of the Army. In this capacity, he oversaw Army operations during the September 11 attacks and managed multi-year programs and budgets in support of national strategic objectives. Once again, he broke new ground as the first African American to serve in this position. 

Currently, General Ellis is a partner at ValuMatrix Consulting Group, based in Atlanta. His prior executive experience includes serving as President and CEO of a publicly traded corporation. In addition to his corporate roles, he acts as Vice Chair of the Board of Regents for Morgan State University and serves on the Advisory Board for Indiana University's School of Public Health. General Ellis contributes his expertise as a director for several nonprofit organizations, including the Shepherd Center, which specializes in medical treatment, rehabilitation, and research for individuals affected by spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. He chairs the High Impact Network of Responsible Innovators (HINRI), an organization committed to applying servant leadership, compassion, and innovation to complex health challenges. Additionally, he serves as Director of the America Korea Friendship Society—promoting relationships between the United States and the Republic of Korea—and advises the Korean Defense Veterans Association. 

General Ellis has been selected for several honored positions, including Presidential appointments to the American Battle Monuments Commission and the National Commission on the Future of the Army. He has also served as a member of the Congressionally authorized Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Advisory Committee and was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia. 

General Ellis’ honors include an Honorary Doctor of Laws, Honorary Master of Strategic Studies, the Morgan State University Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the Army War College Outstanding Alumnus Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the NAACP National Service Award, the NAACP Frederick Douglass Medal, the ROCK of the Year Award, the United Services Organization (USO) Patriot Award, the Rotary International Ross Leadership Award, and various other community and service recognitions. General Ellis earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Public Health from Indiana University. 

He is married to his Morgan State University sweetheart, the former Jean Williams of Baltimore, Maryland. They have two adult daughters.