University of Texas at Dallas: Expansion of Army ROTC Program Opens Doors to Increased Service Opportunities
The U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at The University of Texas at Dallas will expand in 2024, and the number of participating cadets is expected to grow at least 300% over the next five years.
A proclamation signing ceremony, which included UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership, and Maj. Gen. Antonio V. Munera, the commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, formally marked the announcement Oct. 13 on campus.
UT Dallas currently has nine Army ROTC students who undergo much of their training at UT Arlington, a partnership that has been in place since 1986. Students who complete all four years of ROTC training graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. ROTC cadets are also eligible for military scholarships and financial assistance.
“This means increased opportunities for students interested not only in conflict and international relations, but also in other areas of public service, including roles that provide professional development and full scholarships.”
Dr. Jennifer Holmes, dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
But the partnership with UT Arlington will change when the expansion begins. Two uniformed assistant professors of military science will join the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) next summer at UT Dallas.
“For EPPS, this means increased opportunities for students interested not only in conflict and international relations, but also in other areas of public service, including roles that provide professional development and full scholarships,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmes, EPPS dean and the Lloyd V. Berkner Professor of political science and of public policy and political economy. “We are enthusiastic about collaborating with our new military science colleagues to make ROTC a success at UT Dallas.”
The UT Dallas program is one of 18 that Cadet Command is provisionally expanding at four-year universities, particularly across the Southwest, in Texas and in Florida.
“There is a capacity and talent gap between ROTC and four-year college population growth,” said Lt. Col. Greg LeClair, professor of military science at UT Arlington. “We’re going to shift some resources and increase our presence at those universities in growth markets with focused programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
LeClair said he expects that UT Dallas will host nearly 40 cadets — and perhaps more — by 2028.
At the signing ceremony, computer science sophomore and ROTC cadet Pranitha Emani received a $45,000 scholarship from the Army, which she said will help her achieve her career goals.
Emani said she plans to use her education in cybersecurity and the leadership skills she develops in ROTC to contribute to U.S. national security.
“I aspire to explore the intersection of technology and social good, using my skills to address challenges and make a positive impact,” she said. “Life is full of adventures, and I’m ready for the journey.”
ROTC offers a rich experience, providing benefits beyond financial support for college, biomedical engineering senior and ROTC cadet Zach Campanini said.
“Along the way, I have made friends and developed a lot of leadership skills. Being in ROTC benefits me in many ways other than scholarships,” he said.
Cadet Command envisions that UT Dallas may eventually become home to a centralized program for other colleges’ cadets, particularly due to its location in growing North Texas, Munera said.
“We want it to grow and grow, and become a host program in the future,” he said.