ROTC Leadership Seminar - Jessica Bates

ROTC Student Jessica Bates Stands in front of the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College

By Tegan Bauer

This past February one outstanding Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) member was selected to represent Carroll College at the George C. Marshall Leadership Seminar. Jessica Bates, a senior Business Administration major, traveled to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to partake in this unique opportunity.

“To know I will work for an organization who values the significance of building great qualities as a leader with character so much so that they implement programs like ROTC and offer other opportunities such as this leadership seminar, is absolutely priceless.  These experiences will travel with me throughout my entire life, whether that be in my military or civilian career,” said Bates.

Bates was nominated from a pool of University of Montana and Carroll College's ROTC Cadre. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic merit, physical fitness and leadership ability. Being selected to attend the Leadership Seminar is an honor.

The theme for the three day conference was ‘inspirational leadership’. Each day the representatives from all over the country listened to renowned speakers, learned about leadership techniques, and participated in team building activities. Bates stated that her favorite speaker was General Robert Abrams, commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Command. She also recounted how much she loved bonding with her fellow ROTC members from all over the country.

“Having an opportunity to meet and better know some of my best peers across the nation; to establish relationships with those whom I'll eventually get to serve with, since the Army is such a small world!” said Bates.

Bates enthusiastically emphasized how grateful she was for this opportunity and how much she learned from the experience.

“What I took away most from this experience is just how important it is to take care of the people underneath, beside and above you.  The significance of making the work environment a healthy and productive one and being the kind of leader that your soldiers fully trust and want to emulate. It all comes down to humility,” said Bates.

Learn more about ROTC at Carroll College!