EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s ROTC Program devoted a day to exploring college opportunities and program highlights with former Wayne-Westland JROTC cadets and other students interested in EMU.

Select students from Wayne-Westland schools began the day at Roosevelt Hall to hear from Mohamad Qatu, dean of GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, department leadership, and an overview of the ROTC program. The overview included important information about the program, scholarship opportunities, training opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Afterward students were provided lunch with EMU cadets, took a campus tour and participated in a Q&A session. 

“The Wayne-Westland JROTC programs sadly closed following a loss of participation during the pandemic, however, the JROTC students are still interested in learning more through Eastern Michigan’s ROTC program,” said Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Ruesink, professor of military science at EMU. “This event hopefully showed students and their counselors the many opportunities here within the department of Military Science and Leadership, as well as the STEM opportunities within the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology curriculum.” 

According to Ruesink, the former JROTC cadets are equipped with the knowledge and opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree at EMU, with a minor in military science and leadership. This degree choice would prepare students for a future career as an officer in the United States Army.

The Army ROTC program was established at Eastern Michigan University in 1952. There are currently 65 cadets enrolled in the program at EMU.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.