Truman ROTC Partners with MACC

Truman and Moberly Area Community College are combining forces to help students on the path to become commissioned officers in the United States Army.

Last fall, the schools created a partnership that allows MACC students to enroll in Truman’s Senior Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program. This arrangement opens the door for MACC students to receive financial assistance through the military and leads the way for a possible transfer to Truman after they have achieved a sophomore class level.

“This is a unique opportunity for both schools,” said Maj. Bill Gardner, Truman Scholarship and Enrollment Officer. “To the best of my knowledge, we are the only two schools in the state of Missouri that have this type of ROTC educational agreement. We believe that there is no better way to learn leadership techniques on a college campus and this program can now be offered to MACC students.”

The ROTC is a training program of the United States armed forces on college campuses to recruit and educate commissioned officers. It is designed as a college elective, and studies focus on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics.

Through this arrangement, students at both schools will have access to the same military science instruction, and in most cases, the ROTC provides all textbooks, uniforms and equipment. MACC students are considered members of the Truman Corps of Cadets and allowed to participate in any military function or extracurricular activity conducted by the Corps of Cadets. They are also eligible to compete for ROTC scholarships alongside Truman students.

The first year of the program has already produced positive results for the students.

“I went to MACC in the fall of 2009 while attending ROTC classes at Truman State University,” said Jr. ROTC Cadet Brian Decker. “I found that coordination between the two schools’ advising departments made my transition much easier. I have been able to further develop my leadership skills while attending military science classes which help me to achieve my fullest potential in life.”

In addition to the main objective of helping students on a path to a career in the military, the partnership has the potential to increase enrollment and retention at both schools and create a pipeline from MACC to Truman.

“We look forward growing our educational partnership with Moberly Area Community College. We have been able to attract a number of high-caliber students that we have not had access to previously and we appreciate the outstanding support that has been provided to us by both institutions,” said Maj. James Tenpenny, professor of military science at Truman.

Students interested in the ROTC should contact Gardner, either by phone at 660.785.4453 or 309.333.0207, or by e-mail at jw-gardner@truman.edu.  

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