Above: CNU President Bill Kelly, Captain Chris and Hampton University President Darrell Williams
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Students at Christopher Newport have a new path to answer the call to service by preparing to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or Marines.
An exciting partnership has just been inked between Christopher Newport, the Navy, and Hampton University that gives Captains the opportunity to join the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC). Similar to the University’s Army ROTC program, NROTC will allow students to pair their education with military and leadership training. The new cross-registration agreement with Hampton University will prepare students to serve the nation after graduation as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.
President William G. Kelly, (Ret.) U.S. Coast Guard admiral, and Hampton University President Darrell Williams, (Ret.) U.S. Army general, along with other University and military dignitaries gathered at midfield to sign the historic partnership during the Family Weekend football game.
“As the longstanding home of a U.S. Army ROTC company, we have seen the positive impact ROTC can have on shaping young lives. Our cadets have gone on to serve their country in a variety of roles and they are always fortified by our values - honor, service, scholarship, and leadership,” said President Kelly. “I am confident that our NROTC cadets will also excel in every aspect of their studies at Christopher Newport and their service to their country. Our nation needs strong, thoughtful, educated, and well-prepared leaders now more than ever.”
In addition to pairing education with military training and leadership, the prestigious NROTC program offers many other benefits, including:
- Scholarships and monthly stipends
- Preparing students for active-duty military service
- Hands on experience through summer training
- Students graduate as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps
Specific details on the new NROTC program, including scholarship and academic information, can be found here.
Christopher Newport was recently ranked as the Best College for Veterans in the state of Virginia and No. 4 in the South by U.S. News and World Report. This is the second year in a row that CNU has received the Best College for Veterans ranking, a distinction that evaluates the quality of services offered to veterans, including overall affordability and the sense of community.