Junior Bailey Wood, a George Rogers Clark High School graduate and Clark County native, joined EKU’s ROTC Program to build confidence and leadership, growing from a high school JROTC student into a cadet who now leads training exercises, mentors other students, and prepares to commission as an Army officer while pursuing her aviation management and professional flight degree.
What started as a high school JROTC experience has grown into an opportunity for junior Bailey Wood, a Clark County native, to strengthen her leadership skills, build confidence and take on new challenges through Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.
EKU’s commitment to military education and service has earned the university the No. 1 ranking among large public universities in the nation for 2026-27 Military Friendly® Schools.
“EKU’s ROTC program has a long tradition of developing exceptional Army officers,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “For generations, our program has commissioned thousands of officers, including many graduates who have risen to the rank of colonel and retired Gen. James E. Rainey, an EKU graduate and four-star general. Our cadets train with purpose, learn to lead with integrity and graduate ready to serve their communities and their country. That is what excellence in ROTC looks like, and it is a tradition we are proud to carry forward.”
Wood joined her high school JROTC program at George Rogers Clark High School, enjoyed the experience, which ultimately led her to EKU’s ROTC program. She now encourages high school students to give ROTC a try.
“Initially, it can simply be another class on your schedule, and students can participate during their freshman and sophomore years without a military obligation,” said Wood. “It is a great opportunity to experience the program, develop valuable life skills and decide whether ROTC is the right path for them.”
During a field training exercise, Wood served as a team leader, making decisions and seeing firsthand how those decisions influenced the mission.
“ROTC has strengthened my leadership abilities and helped me become more confident, both within the program and in my life outside of ROTC,” said Wood. “It has taught me to trust my abilities, communicate effectively and take responsibility when placed in a leadership position.”
EKU Army ROTC is a leadership development program that prepares cadets to understand and conduct missions effectively while maintaining a high standard of physical fitness. Through hands-on training, cadets develop skills in areas such as obstacle courses, rappelling, land navigation, squad and platoon-level tactics and physical fitness.
Cadets begin three mornings a week with group physical training before classes. They also attend Military Science and Leadership classes twice a week, with a lab on Fridays.
The EKU Army ROTC program, led by LTC Caleb Daniel, the program’s new chair, allows students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree of their choice while also pursuing a minor in Army ROTC Military Science & Leadership (MSL). Wood is pursuing a degree in aviation management and professional flight with a minor in military science.
After graduation, cadets can commission as Army officers through Active Duty (full-time), National Guard (part-time) or Reserves (part-time). EKU’s Army ROTC program gives students like Wood and many others the opportunity to prepare for that next step while developing skills for their futures.
By: Christina Rannells
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