The ROTC Cadet Experience at North Central

Each of these students have a unique story to share about why they chose to participate in ROTC and how it’s been a tool to find success. Discover how ROTC as a North Central student can help you exceed your personal best both in and out of the classroom and set you up to commission as a military officer upon graduation.

Nicholas Franchi '23

"The support North Central staff and faculty provide NC cadets is what makes North Central's experience unique and provides an environment for North Central College cadets to be successful. The AFROTC program equips you with the skills, values, and discipline necessary to excel in both college and as a future officer in the military, making it an incomparable program and experience here on campus." 

Second Lieutenant Nicholas Franchi currently serves as a Contracting Officer at Royal Air Force Lakenheath (England).

Nicholas Franchi '23

Tacoya S. Harris '22

Army ROTC, Computer Science

“The encouragement, support and comradeship of the program make ROTC a second family. Preparing to be a military officer is not only an honor, but a serious commitment. Being an ROTC cadet at North Central is particularly great because of the support and mentorship provided by the Military Student Services Coordinator and ROTC Cadet Mentor. I highly recommend being a ROTC cadet at North Central.”

Second Lieutenant Tacoya Harris currently serves as a Cyber Warfare Officer with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Tacoya S. Harris '22

Andrew Bird '22

"I am beyond grateful for the support North Central College has provided to us as cadets. I know I wouldn’t be the officer, let alone person, I am today if it were not for the understanding, support, and confidence instilled by the NC faculty and staff who helped me along my journey. My experiences with both NC and AFROTC have been incredibly rewarding and something I am proud to be a part of." 

Second Lieutenant Andrew Bird currently serves as a Student Pilot at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Andrew Bird

Michael Pollack '21

Air Force ROTC, Physics

“Being a cadet and student-athlete has been the most fulfilling experience in my life. Juggling basketball, physics and my obligations as a cadet is hard work. But at the same time, it is very rewarding. My coaching staff has been extremely accommodating in recognizing my commitment to the Air Force and there are always people at North Central who understand the different things that go into my schedule and work with me to manage it.” 

First Lieutenant Michael Pollack currently serves as an Air Battle Manager at the Tinker Air Force Base (OK).

Michael Pollack '21

Emilio Lopez '21

Army ROTC, History and Secondary Education

“Being a member of the Army ROTC has helped me develop myself as a student and a professional. It has taught me responsibility, respect, discipline and how to challenge myself. Those interested should check out ROTC because it is a great opportunity. Being a cadet at North Central allows me the full college student experience while also pursuing my military career.”

First Lieutenant Emilio Lopez currently serves as a Field Artillery Platoon Leader at Fort Cavazos (TX).

Emilio Lopez '21

Brady Dickerson '20

Air Force ROTC, Physics

“Everyone at North Central cares about you. The faculty and staff at North Central College understand the commitment and obligations of being a ROTC cadet and work with me to manage the responsibilities of each.”

First Lieutenant Brady Dickerson currently serves as a Combat Search and Rescue Pilot at 71st Rescue Squdron in Moody Air Force Base (GA) flying the HC-130J Combat King.

Brady Dickerson '20

Betsy DeSitter '06

Army ROTC, Broadcast Communication

"North Central prepared me to become an Army officer. I developed the leadership, teamwork and organizational skills necessary to succeed in the toughest military assignments. Moreover, I gained lifelong friends and mentors along the way. I’m truly grateful for the experience."

Lieutenant Colonel Betsy DeSitter currently serves as the Commander of the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic in Arlington, Virginia. 

Betsy DeSitter '06

Adam Moodie '02

Army ROTC

"I was a student athlete and ROTC cadet and I loved my time and experiences at North Central College. I look back now at the tools and resources I was provided and I believe they are priceless. I really feel as though I was prepared to thrive in the real world with all of its challenges. I am forever grateful that my path led me through North Central and into the Army. I am incredibly excited to see the Office of Veteran and Military Services embrace the military. If you are a veteran thinking about where to go to school, or you are interested in serving in the future through ROTC, you should seriously consider North Central College."

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Moodie currently serves as the Product Manager for Assured Airspace Access Systems (A3S), PEO Aviation.

Adam Moodie '02

Matthew Burden, Vice President for Information and Technology, CIO

ROTC Cadet Mentor and U.S. Army Veteran | Vice President for Information and Technology

“In both completing ROTC and graduating from North Central College, you will benefit from the combined experiences in developing excellent leadership and critical thinking skills, and exploring and understanding the core values necessary for a successful military career and a life of substance.”

Matt is the official mentor for our ROTC Cadets and Student Veterans. A veteran who enlisted at seventeen and rose through the ranks to become a commissioned officer, Matt has been deployed on four continents; he served in Special Operations and worked as an intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency. 

Matt Burden

Contact Us 

To learn more about the ROTC program at North Central College contact:
Julie Carballo, Assistant Dean for First-Generation, Transfer & Veteran Initiatives
630-637-5155 ROTC@noctrl.edu

To learn more about Air Force Detachment 195 (AFROTC) contact:
Maj. Hannah Kosirog
312-567-3525 | airforcerotc@uchicago.edu

To learn more about Rolling Thunder Battalion (Army ROTC) contact:
Nathaniel LaLone, Scholarship & Enrollment Officer Commander
630-752-5121 | military.science@wheaton.edu

ROTC Students