First Black Student to Graduate ROTC

Staff Writer

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello provides opportunities through academics and extracurricular activities, and now it will rewrite the history books with the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and one of its cadets.

Photo by Michael Thomas

Shaun Wilson

   Shaun Wilson, a senior physical education major, will become the first black graduate of the ROTC program. Wilson will complete the program in December when he finishes the required leadership development camp.

   “Wilson is not only a great cadet, but also a strong recruiter for our program," said Lt. Col. Vincent Telfare, professor of military science.

   Wilson said while in the National Guard, his supervisor informed him that joining the ROTC program would benefit him during his younger years.

   UAM and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff partnered together in fall 2005 to start the ROTC program on campus.  Lt. Col. Telfare took over the program in October 2006 and helped keep Wilson on the right track. Specifically, during an ankle injury that nearly cost Wilson his career before it started.

   Wilson said, “Lt. Col. Telfare stayed on me the whole time during my injury and wouldn’t let me quit; that is something I will never forget.”

   The program pays college tuition and helps students out financially while giving helpful skills that will last a lifetime.

   The newly-formed program constantly looks for men and women interested in joining.

   “I have learned that to be a great leader you have to be a great follower,” Wilson said. “As an officer I will listen to my people and try to take good care of them.”

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