UC, NKU renew longstanding partnership supporting Army ROTC cadets

The University of Cincinnati Army ROTC and Northern Kentucky University (NKU) have renewed a longstanding partnership that supports students preparing to become Army officers and leaders in their communities.

The universities formalized the renewed agreement during a signing event Aug. 11 at NKU, reaffirming a relationship that dates to 1975. The partnership provides NKU cadets with additional support for room and board, as well as access to UC's Army ROTC instructional resources, campus facilities and training opportunities.

Lt. Col. Thomas Flannigan

Under the new alignment, NKU serves as a cross-town university for UC Army ROTC. NKU cadets will complete their upper-level ROTC coursework at UC, including the Military Science 300- and 400-level courses, while continuing their studies at NKU.

"This agreement shows the commitment from Northern Kentucky University to the development of our future leaders in the Army and our communities, said Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Flannigan, U.S. Army and Professor of Military Science at the University of Cincinnati. "I want to thank the University for their continued support of the Cincinnati Battalion."

The partnership also provides additional financial aid for NKU cadets, helping remove financial barriers as they pursue their education and military careers. The support contributes to the Cincinnati Battalion's ability to meet the Army's annual recruiting and commissioning goals.

A group of cadets stand with NKU President Cady Short-Thompson (left) and Keisha Love, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (right) and Lt. Col. Flannigan (far right).

"Army ROTC strengthens our university in so many ways by attracting talented students, developing principled leaders and creating opportunities that change lives," said Dr. Ryan Padgett, chief strategic enrollment officer at NKU. "We are proud to continue this partnership with the University of Cincinnati and the U.S. Army as we prepare the next generation of officers who will lead with integrity, resilience and a commitment to serving others."

While the current agreement establishes financial aid support for room and board, the relationship between NKU and UC Army ROTC has a much longer history. NKU's ROTC program has worked with and through UC's Bearcat Battalion since 1975, creating opportunities for generations of students to participate in Army ROTC and develop leadership skills.

The renewed partnership continues that legacy while strengthening the connection between the two universities and expanding opportunities for NKU students pursuing military service.

"This updated agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to building future Army and civic leaders," Flannigan said. "It celebrates a longstanding legacy of service, leadership and opportunity made possible through this partnership."

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