University News
Western Illinois University, Army to Continue ROTC Partnership
September 2, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - The United States Army has announced plans to maintain the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Western Illinois University. The decision to retain the program comes as a result of "comprehensive review and consideration of feedback from community leaders and key stakeholders." The WIU ROTC program has been active for over 50 years and has developed more than 1,000 cadets for service in our nation's armed forces.
The decision to inactivate the WIU ROTC was made at the end of June, but is now being reversed after further study of the impact of ROTC programs and in recognition of the positive impact of ROTC on campus communities.
"We are grateful for all of the advocacy on behalf of our ROTC program," said WIU President Kristi Mindrup. "I want to thank our Congressional Representatives who voiced their support, and our Leatherneck community. ROTC is an important part of WIU culture, and the continuation of the program is wonderful news."
According to the Army, "all reinstated programs will maintain onsite cadre, education, training and support." Cadets will remain enrolled on the campuses they currently attend and will continue to receive the educational benefits afforded to ROTC cadets. The Western Illinois University ROTC program will operate as an extension unit.
"The WIU ROTC program benefits our students and our entire campus community," said WIU Interim Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman. "WIU has a long history of being a military-friendly campus and supporting our active duty and veteran students. The retention of our ROTC program allows us to maintain service and support our student cadets."
For more information on WIU's ROTC program, visit wiu.edu/rotc.
Posted By: Zachary Messersmith (ZD-Messersmith@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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