WABI reports on new Pathways to NROTC program

WABI (Channel 5) reported 10 first-year students from five states are enrolled at the University of Maine this fall in the new Pathways to NROTC program. The students were selected for their academic qualifications, leadership qualities, and interest in pursuing science and engineering fields, according to the report. The applicants were members of their high schools’ Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and will be involved in UMaine’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) to become commissioned officers. In their first year, the students receive full scholarships, including room and board, provided by UMaine. On successful completion of their first year, and meeting all other requirements, they will receive NROTC scholarships for years two through five. “That the university made a statement to say, ‘We’re not just pro military, we’re going to put our money — so to say — where our mouth is.’ So they took a calculated and well-weighted decision and risk in this, and we’re very hopeful and confident that it’s going to pay big dividends,” said Capt. Michael Flanagan, an assistant professor in NROTC, which serves UMaine, Husson and Maine Maritime Academy. A number of media outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, the Waco Tribune-Herald, The Times Record and the Bangor Daily News, ran an Associated Press story that referenced WABI’s story.