Partners in Leadership
UMBC named first university in Maryland to host a Naval ROTC unit.
Beginning April 1, students passionate about serving as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps saw a new name on the Naval ROTC scholarship program’s application list: the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
UMBC and the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) have signed an agreement to host a Naval ROTC unit at UMBC. The multi-year program, which runs concurrently with a student’s regular college or university degree path, will prepare midshipmen for leadership positions as U.S. Navy officers in an increasingly technical and globally interconnected environment.
“We are delighted to have been selected for this honor,” says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “Many of our students are from military families, and many want to serve their country through the Navy. Already, hundreds of our graduates are working for the Navy. We envision many more doing so through this program.”
UMBC is the first higher education institution in Maryland to be selected as an NROTC host site and one of only 75 colleges and universities in the nation. The agreement is part of the new Maryland NROTC consortium that includes the University of Maryland, College Park. UMBC also enables students to participate in the Army University ROTC program through Johns Hopkins University and the Air Force ROTC program through the University of Maryland, College Park.
“I am so pleased that the U.S. Navy is establishing an ROTC program at UMBC,” Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “With the Naval Academy already in Annapolis, Maryland has a proud history of supporting those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe. Now, UMBC, a longtime leader in math and science education, will grow that historic relationship as it teaches and trains our young leaders for the jobs of tomorrow.”
With this agreement, students can take courses toward a UMBC undergraduate degree while fulfilling their Navy ROTC commitment through classes in Naval Science and participation in the unit’s drills, physical training, and other activities. A Professor of Naval Science appointed by the NSTC, in collaboration with UMBC, will lead the NROTC and coordinate instruction on campus.
“By partnering with UMBC, we are continuing to work with elite colleges and universities committed to producing graduates with exemplary education, character and leadership for service to our nation,” says Rear Adm. Richard A. Brown, Commander, Naval Service Training Command. “We are excited to have a host unit in the state of Maryland, a state with a honored naval tradition.”
Students selected for this highly competitive national program will receive four-year scholarships covering full tuition and mandatory fees, as well as stipends for books and living expenses. Students pursuing any academic major may apply to the program for study beginning in fall 2016.
For more information on the program, including how to apply, visit the Naval ROTC website.
(04/6/2015)
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