CECI News
Military Science and Leadership adds to CECI's commitment to public service
November 13, 2026
The College of Education and Community Innovation offers a wide range of programs, all connected by a commitment to public service. That core principle is strongly aligned with the mission of our newest program, Military Science and Leadership.
This fall, the newly established Department of Military Science and Leadership joined CECI. Housed in Mackinac Hall on the Valley Campus, the program offers military leadership and development classes to students who participate in GVSU’s Army ROTC program.
GVSU celebrated this updated partnership with a signing ceremony at its annual Veterans Day Luncheon; however, the new relationship officially launched at the start of the fall semester.
Previously, no established cadre or infrastructure existed at GVSU, which created challenges for GVSU ROTC cadets. This year, the US Army Cadet Command awarded GVSU the status as an Extension Unit of the Kalamazoo-based host unit at Western Michigan University. Lieutenant Colonel Evan Palmer says the move here is a great fit for everyone.
“This is a big step in the Cadet Command world because it allows us to establish permanent cadre and infrastructure at GVSU to help the program and cadets,” said LTC Evan Palmer, Department Chair and Professor of Military Science.
More than 40 students are enrolled in the Military Science and Leadership classes and after the first two years, students decide whether they will make a post-graduation military commitment. Cadets who commit to military service are commissioned as Second Lieutenants after graduation and are prepared to lead platoons of approximately 40 soldiers. Palmer says the students in the military science program develop attributes that are consistent across all GVSU programs.
“We teach cadets to serve their community and we instill a service mindset so regardless of what their future path is, our ROTC students are preparing to lead and serve their communities,” said Palmer.
The move to GVSU was a reflection of increased interest in the program and Palmer says the scale of GVSU positions the program for future growth.
“Being able to place permanent cadre in official ROTC spaces here in Allendale not only provides a direct resource for cadets, but also gives us the space we need to offer the best possible learning environment,” said Palmer. “We’ve received a warm welcome and so far it’s been an amazing experience.”