Michigan Army National Guard and Grand Valley State University to Establish SROTC Extension Unit on Campus

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will formally establish a Senior Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SROTC) extension unit on GVSU’s campus today, during the university’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon, marking an important step in expanding military leadership development and educational opportunities in West Michigan.

The new program, with instruction led by MIARNG cadre, will provide students with greater access to Army SROTC military science education and leadership development opportunities directly on GVSU’s campus. There are currently 49 students involved in GVSU SROTC, including 40 from GVSU and nine students from Calvin University and Davenport University. 

WHO: MIARNG Brig. Gen. Scott E. House, MIARNG Lt. Col. Brian Snook, Lt. Col. Evan Palmer, chair and professor of military Science and leadership at Western Michigan University, GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella
WHAT: Ceremony to Establish SROTC Program on GVSU Campus
WHEN: Nov. 11, 2026 at 12 p.m.
WHERE: Russell H. Kirkhof Center, 10670 S Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401

“Establishing a SROTC program at Grand Valley State University is an investment in the next generation of military and community leaders,” said MIARNG Brig. Gen. Scott E. House. “This partnership expands opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, pursue their educational goals and explore a path to serving as commissioned officers in the MIARNG. We appreciate GVSU’s commitment to working alongside the MIARNG to make these opportunities more accessible to students across West Michigan.”

Army SROTC is an elective curriculum that students complete alongside their regular college coursework. The program combines academic instruction, leadership development and military training, preparing qualified students to earn commissions as officers in the U.S. Army upon graduation. Students can explore the program without incurring a military service obligation until their junior year, when they contract into the program.

The on-campus presence will make it easier for GVSU students to pursue their academic ambitions alongside their commitment to military service. For years, GVSU students participated in Army ROTC through the university’s relationship with Western Michigan University, often requiring students to travel to Kalamazoo for training and coursework. 

To learn more about the GVSU SROTC program, visit Army ROTC - Grand Valley State University.

Media Note: Media should arrive at the Russell H. Kirkhof Center at 10670 S Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401, no later than 11:45 a.m. Opportunities to interview MIARNG leadership will be available following the ceremony.

For additional information, contact the DMVA Strategic Communications Office at ng.mi.miarng.list.pao@army.mil.

Event photos will be available following the ceremony on the Michigan National Guard's Flickr Account.

 

 

 

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