Army ROTC Welcomes Record Enrollment and New Leadership

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Army ROTC program kicked off the fall semester with a record-setting number of cadets and new leadership.

Army Lt. Col. Michael Wellock, a UT alumnus and native of Franklin, Tennessee, joined the university this summer as department head and professor of military science.

After setting a record last year with approximately 200 Army cadets in the program's ranks, this fall the program welcomed more than 270 cadets and expects to commission more than 50 lieutenants this year-one of the largest groups commissioned in the program's history.

Wellock

"I attended UT as an Army ROTC cadet from 2000 to 2004," said Wellock. "Coming back as the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science is like coming home. It is a chance to finally give back to the school and the program that gave me so much and made me who I am."

Since returning to East Tennessee, Wellock - along with his wife, Kristen, and their son and daughter - has been enjoying hiking, Dollywood, Smokies baseball and UT football.

"Tennessee has always been a great place to be. But since coming back, I have been blown away by the quality of our students and the generous support from the university leadership," said Wellock. "The campus community seems to truly appreciate our cadets' commitment to serve."

Wellock answered questions about leadership, military service and goals for the ROTC program.

What words of advice do you offer your cadets and any new students about being successful at UT?

Wellock: There are five things I ask my cadets to do. They are the recipe for success in the Army, as a student and in life. First, have a good attitude. Second, be a good teammate. Third, work hard. Fourth, be present and care for others. Finally, be humble. The cadet who can do these five things will be successful and will make his or her team better in the process.

What advice do you have for any high school students who may be looking at applying to UT and wanting to be in ROTC and receive a commission?

Wellock: We are looking for well-rounded students with the potential to lead through adversity. We look to recruit students who are scholars, athletes and leaders. I would advise prospective high school students to take full advantage of the opportunities available in their local high schools and communities. Apply yourself to your studies. Participate in athletics. Seek leadership positions on your sports teams, student organizations, churches or in other groups. These experiences will help you grow and open more opportunities for you later on.

What goals do you have for the program?

Wellock: The mission of the Army ROTC program goes beyond numbers. We want to commission resilient Army officers of character, commitment and competence. America faces some very big problems today. Ultimately we want to produce leaders who can not only face those problems themselves but also lead others to do the same.

What do you appreciate the most about life on Rocky Top?

Wellock: This campus has an energy you won't find at other schools. Everyone I interact with seems genuinely happy to be here. Furthermore, the students here are top-notch. UT attracts high-quality students, which naturally leads to high-quality Army ROTC cadets. I'm very proud to be a UT alumnus and even more proud to work with the fine leaders in this program.

Leadership Legacy and ROTC Benefits

The military program at UT was established in 1844, making it one of the oldest at any land-grant university in the country. Wellock succeeds many notable leaders of the ROTC programs including Brig. Gen. Robert R. Neyland, who in 1925 was a military science department instructor while serving on UT's football coaching staff. The previous department head, Army Lt. Col. James Lucas, was selected for battalion command last spring and relocated.

In June 2022 UT's Board of Trustees approved a measure classifying military-affiliated students - veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, Tennessee National Guard members, and ROTC cadets - as Tennessee residents, enabling them to receive the in-state tuition rate regardless of their residence of origin.

UT's Army and Air Force ROTC departments are in Hoskins Library.

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Media Contact:

Cindi King (865-974-0937, [email protected])

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