NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/22/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -Northwestern State University is partnering with Louisiana College and Louisiana State University at Alexandria to make Army ROTC programs available to more college students. Beginning this fall, students at Louisiana College and LSUA can attend Army ROTC classes at their current institution or other partnership locations.

NSU will provide instructors for the Alexandria-area ROTC Program. Northwestern's ROTC program is ranked among the top 20 percent of programs in the nation. The rankings are based on historical and projected future success in program enrollment and commissioning officers into the Army.

The highly successfully program has in no small part been the result of an excellent leadership training coupled with the diverse and rigorous academic offerings of our partner colleges and universities. That makes an unbeatable combination," said Lt. Col. Claton Chandler, the ROTC Battalion Commander at Northwestern. "Our cadets are challenged both physically and mentally which generates individual success, satisfaction, and excitement to be a student and member of an ROTC program."

Chandler said having two separate locations in the Alexandria area will provide flexibility and convenience for students and partnership schools. Students can attend class in a location that compliments their school schedules or across town nearer to their after school work location. These partner school also enjoy the flexibility of being able to combine smaller classes.

According to Chandler, the program is tailored for both two and four-year schools.

"This program will have a great impact on the ability of Alexandria students to continue their education beyond the associate degree level and gain a commission in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, or Active Army," said Chandler. "Upon graduation or transfer, students attending a two-year college or university will be eligible to transfer their Army ROTC credits to any of 270 universities nationwide that also offer an Army ROTC Program. Students attending Louisiana College will be able to complete the ROTC program at that institution."

Chandler said ROTC programs instill other intangible attributes that will help both LSUA and Louisiana College.

"There is a strong desire to excel and a camaraderie that is like a family," said Chandler. "ROTC cadets tend to be more self-confident and have better interpersonal skills than the average student. The program's emphasis on leadership allows the cadets to solve large, complex problems. Their success breeds success."

Students enrolled in the program are also eligible to compete for two, three, and four-year scholarships. These scholarships can be worth up to $9,500 annually for students attending schools in Alexandria-Pineville. These scholarships provide money for tuition and academic fees. An additional scholarship benefit includes an annual $600 book allowance. ROTC scholarship winners also receive a tiered, tax-free allowance of $250-$350 a month based on classification. The allowance is for up to 10 months.

For more information on Louisiana College or LSUA ROTC programs, call Chandler at (800) 217-6045 or email chandler@nsula.edu, Dr. Ben Hawkins at (318) 487-7601 or email hawkins@lacollege.edu or Dr. Henry Robertson (318) 427-4483 or email henryr@pc01.lsua.edu.

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