Murray State University announces new leadership for ROTC program

By Jennifer Cline | Nov 2, 2021

MURRAY, Ky. — The Center for Adult and Regional Education and the Department of Military Science at Murray State University has announced two new top-level leadership roles in Murray State's ROTC program. Captain (CPT) William Burgess has been named officer in charge and Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Bernard House is the new Professor of Military Science. LTC House is also the overall leader of the ROTC battalion at both Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. 

"Both CPT Burgess and LTC House are career Army men and have approached their assignment at Murray State with energy and professionalism,” said Dan Lavit, executive director of the Center for Adult and Regional Education. “Their mission is to grow the Murray State ROTC program and develop the next generation of Army leaders once they graduate. We're fortunate to have them as a part of the Murray State faculty."

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based, officer commissioning program designed as an elective-curriculum taken along with required college classes. All military science classes focus on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics. 

“Murray State’s ROTC program prepares students with the tools, training and experiences that will help them succeed in any competitive environment,” said LTC Bernard House. “Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can assist with paying for college tuition while offering additional advantages for select degrees like engineering and medical/nursing.” 

Over the past year, Murray State’s ROTC program has commissioned nine Cadets into the active duty Army. Army ROTC provides the tools to promote success in life after college. Through the excellent leadership development curriculum and nationally-recognized collegiate partnership, Murray State’s Army ROTC can transform students into leaders that will succeed in life.  

For more information on Murray State’s ROTC program visit murraystate.edu/rotc or contact recruiting operations officer, Jan Bass at (731) 298-1583.