Southern Miss Expands Pathway for Future Military Nurses
Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:35am | By: Morgan Smith
Dr. Chris Winstead, Maj. Stephen Fogle, Dr. Joe Paul, Dr. Charleen McNeill, LTC David Allen
The University of Southern Mississippi is helping address the growing need for military
nurses through a new partnership between the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Army and Air Force ROTC programs offered through the Department of Military Science and Department of Aerospace Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences.
A recently signed memorandum of understanding creates a pathway for ROTC cadets pursuing
nursing degrees at Southern Miss. Under the agreement, up to five Army ROTC cadets
and three Air Force ROTC cadets each year who meet all admission requirements will
have reserved spots in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
Cadets selected into the program will continue their ROTC training while pursuing
nursing degrees. Upon graduation, they will be prepared to serve as commissioned nursing
officers.
University leaders, ROTC representatives, nursing faculty and student cadets gathered
on June 30 to formally celebrate the partnership.
“This creates a unique opportunity for students to develop as both exceptional nurses
and future military leaders,” said Dr. Charleen McNeill, dean of the College of Nursing
and Health Professions. “By combining the strengths of nursing education and ROTC
training, we are preparing graduates who are ready to serve their country.”
During a visit to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Ky., Dr. Chris Winstead,
dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, gained insight into the military's need
to increase the number of nursing majors in ROTC programs. The new agreement is one
way Southern Miss is helping meet that need while expanding opportunities for students
interested in military nursing.
“This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for students who aspire to serve as
military nurses,” said Lt. Col. Michael Palmore, director of Aerospace Studies. “The
Air Force and Army are both experiencing a critical need for highly qualified nurses,
and this agreement helps ensure that motivated ROTC cadets have a clear pathway into
one of Mississippi’s most respected nursing programs while preparing to serve their
country.”
Students interested in becoming military nurses through Southern Miss Army ROTC or
Air Force ROTC are encouraged to contact the respective programs to learn more about
admission requirements, scholarship opportunities and military nursing careers.
Learn more about the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC and College of Arts and Sciences.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi is home to 13 schools, two ROTC units,
and more than 100 academic programs. Guided by the University’s mission, we educate
students, lead the state and nation in research and the creative arts, and advance
knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and STEM. Through innovative research
and nationally recognized student success, we provide pathways to understanding the
past, solving today's challenges, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.
About the College of Nursing and Health Professions
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at The University of Southern Mississippi prepares students for rewarding careers
in healthcare through innovative, evidence-based education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Comprised of four academic units, the School of Health Professions, the School of
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, the School of Professional Nursing Practice,
and the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences, the College offers a wide range of
programs in nursing, audiology, speech language pathology, public health, athletic
training, recreational therapy, kinesiotherapy and other health related disciplines.
As an engaged interdisciplinary community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and
external partners, the College is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching and
service. Through exemplary academic programs and a commitment to student success,
the College prepares highly qualified professionals equipped to improve health outcomes
and advance healthcare at the local, state, national, and global levels. The College
aspires to be recognized for excellence in advancing health through outstanding educational
experiences, interdisciplinary research and the quality of its graduates.