ST. GEORGE — Active learning and active life will march on as Utah Tech University, the U.S. Army and the Utah National Guard reintroduce an Army ROTC program in the fall 2024 semester.

This initiative includes the creation of a new military science department, which will be housed in the McDonald Center as part of the university’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Stephen Lee, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said upon his arrival in 2019, he was surprised to find that the university did not have a military science program.

“When I was interviewing, I learned it had been pulled out of St. George a few years earlier,” Lee said.

The reintroduced ROTC program allows students to major in their chosen field while minoring in military science. Student cadets completing the program will have the option to graduate as commissioned officers in either the U.S. Army or the Utah National Guard, transitioning to U.S. Army officers once the program meets certain graduation metrics.

Initial instruction will be provided by Utah National Guard personnel, utilizing some previous curriculum developed by the Army. Significant scholarships will be available to help cover tuition and room and board for ROTC students.

The ROTC “hub” for Utah is based at Brigham Young University, with other universities acting as satellite campuses. This restructuring reportedly led to the program’s previous closure at Utah Tech despite its larger size compared to other universities like Southern Utah University.

“The ability to potentially contract with the Army for a commission coming out of the university with your bachelor’s degree and graduating as a lieutenant helps you get a serious leg up on your new job,” Lee said. “It also helps underwrite the cost of your education.”

Lee said he was particularly impressed by the group of individuals he has worked with to set this up.

“We have an exceptionally strong cadre of instructors and recruiters that constitute the military science department,” he said.

One of them is Capt. Dalan Bennett, assistant professor of military science, who said it is an honor to be part of the fledgling program because he is so passionate about ROTC.

“We’re here to help students become lifelong learners and leaders,” Bennett said. “This program is for everyone, and we’re confident in our ability to shape and mold students into disciplined, dedicated individuals.”

Bennett added that this program is for everybody, and they are there to help students achieve their goals.

“We are very confident in our ability to shape and mold not just quick changes to accomplish our training but hopefully lifestyle changes that benefit them for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Other than weekly classroom sessions and labs, Bennett said that the curriculum includes activities that challenge students both physically and mentally, such as repelling, paintballing and water survival. These exercises are designed to push cadets out of their comfort zones and develop teamwork and leadership skills in high-stress environments.

Bennett said Lee’s involvement has been vital.

“Dr. Lee’s leadership from the beginning definitely sets us up for success in the long term because his understanding of the program helps us integrate smoothly into this new environment,” Bennett said.

Recruiting is already underway, with classes starting this fall.

This four-year program will see its juniors and seniors potentially managing a platoon that typically ranges from 30 to 40 people.

Lee is optimistic about the program’s growth and potential impact. He anticipates that within four years, the program could produce 12 to 25 commissioned officers annually.

“With the rate of growth at the university and the interest in Washington County, we could become the largest ROTC program in Southern Utah within a decade,” he said.

Should that become a reality, they could become a permanent satellite arrangement similar to Utah Valley University or SUU.

The ROTC program includes courses with lab sections and physical fitness requirements. Students are required to take a separate physical fitness course, meaning early morning exercises.

The Army structures scholarships so students are eligible for either a tuition scholarship or a monthly living expense stipend, though taking the tuition leaves money on the table, Lee said.

Lee emphasized the active learning aspect of the ROTC program.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a program more focused on active learning than Army ROTC,” he said. “It’s about hands-on learning, working on stuff in the field, learning collaborative skills, and strong communication skills that are vital in the field.”

Bennett echoed this sentiment.

“That’s what we’re here to do,” Bennett said. “You’re going to wake up as a cadet here at 0600 (hours) and continuously learn.”

Students in the program can major in any field while minoring in military science.

“They are not majoring in ROTC or military science,” Lee said. “They’re majoring in whatever they want, and we are bolting this on as an additional item for them to have as part of their graduation portfolio.”

Bennett pointed out additional opportunities for cultural understanding programs, as well as military schools such as airborne and air assault through the ROTC.

Those interested in more information may email [email protected] or visit their website.

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