For several years, Rhodes has offered students the opportunity to earn officer commissions in either Air Force (Aerospace Studies) or Army (Military Science) through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Although Rhodes does not have the student population typical of schools that offer ROTC, a crosstown agreement with the University of Memphis has allowed students to pursue a Rhodes degree while taking required ROTC courses at the university. Upon successful completion of the program and degree requirements at Rhodes, a student can be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the appropriate military service.
According to Jon Emerson ’16, a cadet in the Army ROTC program, “It has taught me invaluable skills in becoming a leader in the United States Army and throughout the Rhodes campus.”
In August, Rhodes added the Navy ROTC (Naval Science) program. Warren “Bud” Richey, associate vice president for external programs at Rhodes says this new unit creates endless possibilities for students interested in the armed forces and prospective students alike. “Furthermore, it offers prospective students who have been granted national ROTC scholarships the opportunity to apply those scholarships to a Rhodes education.”
Rhodes’ newfound partnership also demonstrates that local Navy ROTC leaders feel strongly that Rhodes students would add value to their organization. Says Richey, “The fact that we were able to have this partnership put in place at a time when the armed forces aren’t typically expanding their university footprint is a remarkable testament to our institution and our students.”
To learn more about the Navy ROTC program, contact Major Tracy Perry at nrotc@memphis.edu.