Simpson University Launches ROTC Program

For Immediate Release
April 24, 2008

REDDING, Calif. - This fall, Simpson University will offer an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Simpson will be one of only five CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities) schools nationwide to offer the program, and the only university between the Sacramento/Davis area and central Oregon that offers this nationally recognized leadership training program.

The ROTC program will be a military leadership minor, which must be accompanied by a major in another academic area. Students can choose either a two- or four-year program. The four-year program will prepare students for the life of a commissioned Army officer. ROTC classes, which are not limited to those who are part of the program, combine classroom work with practical instruction to help students succeed in either a military or civilian career.

Officers from the U.C. Davis ROTC program first approached Simpson University about launching the course last summer after a parent of a prospective Simpson student contacted the Army to see if the university offered the program.

Lt. Col. Mark Connelly, professor of military science and head of the ROTC program at U.C. Davis, said that Simpson is an ideal place to offer the program.

"Army ROTC will enhance the opportunities for current and future Simpson University students by providing leadership and management training, and 2 to 4 year scholarship opportunities to pay for their bachelor's degree," said Connelly. "Their opportunities can extend toward a nursing degree or an opportunity to serve as a chaplain in the US Army. Students taking Army ROTC will be taught skills sought by civilian employers in businesses around the world."

Simpson University's provost, Dr. Stanley Clark, said the ROTC program will be a good addition to the university.

"As a university, we provide multiple career-paths for our students, said Dr. Clark. "The leadership focus of the ROTC program blends well with our own priority of developing leaders for the marketplace and for world service. We look forward to providing this important program to our students and the north state."

The Army will provide two commissioned officers as faculty, a non-commissioned officer, and a support staff person to carry out the program.

For more information on Simpson University's ROTC program, visit www.simpsonuniversity.edu/rotc.

Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. New majors are now being offered in nursing, biology, healthcare management, and outdoor leadership. Simpson's academic programs also include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/.

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Contact: Wendy Matthews
wmatthews@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530) 226-4126