Military Science

What we do

Learning to become a leader will make any college experience richer and prepare one for the future. Army ROTC is the premier college level leadership program, leading to a commission as an Army officer and membership in one of the most respected professions in America. During classes, leadership labs, physical training and field training at UNI, cadets learn firsthand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and conduct missions as an officer in the Army.

Classes are focused on developing qualities that are necessary for leadership in a military or civilian career: fast and effective decision making, strong vision, confidence and presence, effective communication and the ability to influence others towards a common goal by providing purpose, motivation and direction.

Why support?

Your support of the Military Science Fund for Excellence will:

• Enable cadets to participate in time-honored events such as the Military Ball and Senior Cadet Staff Ride
• Assist in participation at some of the more memorable esprit de corps events such as the Bataan Death March and Army 10 Miler/AUSA Conference
• Allow cadets to visit famous battlefields they have studied

Former ROTC cadet Nicole Miller, ‘22, entered the program during her junior year. She had run out of money pursuing a biology degree and decided to join the Iowa National Guard to help accomplish her goals. After a six-month break from school serving as a medic, she returned to UNI on a two-year scholarship from the ROTC.

“(Through the ROTC), I learned so much more than I could have ever imagined about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses,” she said. “And I spent countless hours preparing for admissions and studying. I learned how to lead through epic failures, but also memorable successes. And I made some of the best friends along the way.”

Challenge Gift

Michael J. Wright, ‘69, has graciously offered to support the first $5,000 given with a dollar-for-dollar match towards the project.

About UNI’s Military Science/ROTC Program

The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) started as a UNI extension program in 1981. Six years later it was granted host status and the UNI Panther Battalion was established. The ROTC is a group of college and university-based training programs that prepare and commission U.S. Armed Forces officers.

In 2001, the University of Dubuque (UD) identified the need for ROTC opportunities in Eastern Iowa and became a partner school. Staff and cadre at UNI provide oversight and training assistance to the cadre at UD and students from the universities train together several times a year.

The program resides in Nielsen Fieldhouse, which underwent a renovation to provide more space for the growing ROTC program and the Department of Military Science. Renovations included new offices, classrooms, a lounge and meeting space, along with a transformed gymnasium which features a fully equipped weight room. Funding for the renovations came from federal grants and donations from the Iowa National Guard.

“The rededication of this building is a major milestone for the UNI ROTC battalion,” said Brenda Bass, dean of the UNI College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “UNI and the ROTC have a shared vision of training the next generation of leaders to serve their communities. The renovated field house provides a training facility that will better prepare our students for their future leadership positions.”