Rowan Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
ROWAN ARMY ROTC
Tiger Battalion
The Army ROTC at Rowan University is dedicated to preparing the next generation of courageous, innovative, and selfless United States Army Officers. The lessons learned here provide our Cadets with the tools, training, and experiences to succeed in any competitive environment. Cadets have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but hope to serve their country upon graduation. Army ROTC Cadets at Rowan will also earn a minor in Military Science upon graduation.
Officers are problem-solvers and planners. They are driven to achieve success with their team on every mission. Are you interested in gaining experience you can't find anywhere else?
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What is Army ROTC?
Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) offers opportunities and challenges that can put you on the fast track to success in life. You'll develop the confidence, self-esteem, motivation and leadership skills you'll need regardless of your career plans. The qualities that ROTC training instills will be vital to a productive and rewarding future.
BECOME A LEADER, A COUNSELOR, A STRATEGIST AND A M
What it means to be an Army Officer:
Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) offers opportunities and challenges that can put you on the fast track to success in life. You'll develop the confidence, self-esteem, motivation and leadership skills you'll need regardless of your career plans. The qualities that ROTC training instills will be vital to a productive and rewarding future. ROTC is an elective course that provides a combination of academics and important hands-on training. You'll be offered physical and mental challenges geared to help you succeed in college and beyond. You will learn teamwork and be given responsibilities like teaching younger cadets the same skills you have learned. In addition to our on-campus training, we offer instruction in adventure training like mountaineering, rappelling and orienteering. You'll find ROTC a great place to form lasting friendships.
A HISTORY OF SUPPORT
Rowan's History of Supporting the Military
Rowan’s history of supporting the military dates back to Rowan's second president, Dr. Edgar Bunce, created a junior college program in 1946 to serve World War II veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill. This support continues today as Rowan continues to support our military students and their families. Our goal is to prepare cadets with the tools, training and experiences that will help them succeed in any competitive environment. Cadets will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when they graduate, some will become officers in the Army.
Financing Your Education
Scholarship Opportunities
Our active on-campus Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) offers mentorship in learning how to become effective leaders, critical thinkers and moral citizens in preparation for a military career. Participants can continue onto active duty after graduation or on reserve duty with the National Guard or Army. Students successfully completing the program are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.
The ROTC program at Rowan provides students with leadership, management and basic military skills training. ROTC students can receive scholarships that pay up to full tuition and fees, book expenses and a monthly stipend. Students have the option of going on active duty after graduation or on reserve duty with the National Guard or Army. When students successfully complete the program, they are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army. ROTC is an eight-year commitment. Princeton University is the host school for the program. For information, call 609-258-4225 or email Captain Keith Burkhart (burkhart@rowan.edu).
Contact UsGreen to Gold is a program designed for current active-duty enlisted Soldiers to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master's degree and make the switch to the Officership path of the Army.
Learn MoreRealistic, attainable incentives were looked at for implementation to support the battalion cadre to supplement the scholarship incentive in their recruitment campaign. The following items, along with explanations, are available to supplement the tuition assistance now being offered to nursing majors. As with scholarship payments, the reimbursement process for the following incentives comes under the review of the battalion commander. Requests for reimbursable fees will be submitted to Resource Management at Headquarters, Cadet Command, for processing.
Book Allowance: Presently, the book allowance is at $1,200 per year divided between semesters. For nurse cadets, the total book allowance will be paid at the beginning of the Fall semester . This action will allow the cadet to purchase the high-cost reference books required for the year at the beginning of the Fall semester .
Nurse Malpractice Insurance: Many schools of nursing require their students to obtain student nurse liability (malpractice) insurance prior to beginning their clinical experience and hands-on patient care. All costs and fees associated with this yearly expense are reimbursable.
Immunization and Testing Prior to Beginning Clinical Training: All fees incurred by a cadet to meet mandatory immunization and/or laboratory testing required before coming in contact with patients are reimbursable. This includes, but is not limited to, PPD, Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus and HIV screening.
Allowance for Nursing Uniforms and Clinical Supplies: A major financial expense at the beginning of a student's clinical experience is the purchase of unique nursing uniforms for their school of nursing and associated equipment. Depending on the school's requirements, the cost can exceed $400. Therefore, there is a one-time payment to cover the cost of the required number of school of nursing uniforms (three max), lab coat (one) and shoes (two max). Accessories and equipment include, but are not limited to, a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, penlight, tape measure, bandage scissors, forceps, pocket/belt carrying pouch, clipboard and, if required, clinical bag for community health visits.
Clinical Nursing Fee: Depending on the school of nursing, there may be an additional fee for the use and upkeep of the "learning lab" area. This is an area within the School of Nursing that is set up like a hospital ward with beds, equipment and patient care models. Basic nursing theory and concepts, i.e., injections and bed baths, are practiced in this area before performing the skills on real patients. Also included in the fee is the cost for CPR certification required prior to entering a hospital setting
NCLEX-RN Review Course (even offered to non-scholarship students): For the nurse cadet to become a professional Registered Nurse (RN), they must take and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). An officer must pass the exam and hold a valid license before being accepted into the Army Nurse Corps. The knowledge used to pass this exam comes from years of attending classes within the School of Nursing. To assist students in focusing their studies and provide a general refresher of their nursing knowledge, many schools offer an NCLEX review course. Many times, a school of nursing will present this review as a non-credit elective during the last semester before graduation. There are also many private educational corporations that offer review courses in larger cities nationwide. The cost range is $250 - $400.
There are two methods of requesting reimbursement for this program. The preferred method is a review course offered through the school of nursing. The cost of the course is listed as an additional fee charged through the University for the semester in which the course takes place. If the school does not offer an NCLEX-RN review course, the nurse cadet may take one provided by an educational corporation such as Kaplan. This review course will be paid for only once. The nurse cadet does not have to take the review course prior to graduation, but the cadet must schedule it and then pay for it prior to graduation. Scholarship nurse cadet payments are processed through CCIMS/Scholarship Tracking Module. Non-scholarship nurse cadet payments are processed through the IMPAC credit card.
NCLEX-RN Testing Fee: A $200 processing fee is charged to cover the test center cost of administering the exam. No earlier than 60 days prior to graduation and no later than 30 days prior to graduation, the PMS will submit a request to Cadet Command for $200 to cover the cost of the cadet taking the NCLEX-RN. This process will allow the cadet to take advantage of this incentive while meeting the requirement for payment prior to graduation. The testing fee will only be reimbursed for the first attempt.
Please note this reimbursement does not include the fee charged by each state to process the license application. This fee ranges from $25 to $75, depending on the state. Each nurse will be required to renew their license through their particular state, either annually or biennially (dependent on state law). It is a professional responsibility to obtain and maintain a license to practice nursing. Cadet Command will not reimburse this cost.
Extension of Benefits for Mandatory Summer Sessions: The majority of nursing programs throughout the United States offer their required curriculum during the fall and spring semesters. However, there are a few schools that require students to attend specific courses during the summer between the sophomore and junior years and/or junior and senior years. For cadets taking an optional Summer Session to reduce their academic course load and to keep aligned with projected mission sets, an extension of scholarship benefits for summer tuition is required.
For cadets required to take mandatory summer coursework, CC allows the school to submit a request for payment without filing for an extension of benefits. Resource Management will pay the tuition and fees after cross-referencing the request with a list of schools and courses that are mandatory for academic progression.
Please review these incentives and, working with your school of nursing influencers, identify how they can make an impact on the recruitment and retention of your nurse cadets.
Learn MoreOur active on-campus Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) offers mentorship in learning how to become effective leaders, critical thinkers and moral citizens in preparation for a military career. Participants can continue onto active duty after graduation or on reserve duty with the National Guard or Army. Students successfully completing the program are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.
The ROTC program at Rowan provides students with leadership, management and basic military skills training. ROTC students can receive scholarships that pay up to full tuition and fees, book expenses and a monthly stipend. Students have the option of going on active duty after graduation or on reserve duty with the National Guard or Army. When students successfully complete the program, they are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army. ROTC is an eight-year commitment. Princeton University is the host school for the program. For information, call 609-258-4225 or email Captain Keith Burkhart (burkhart@rowan.edu).
Contact UsGreen to Gold is a program designed for current active-duty enlisted Soldiers to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master's degree and make the switch to the Officership path of the Army.
Learn MoreRealistic, attainable incentives were looked at for implementation to support the battalion cadre to supplement the scholarship incentive in their recruitment campaign. The following items, along with explanations, are available to supplement the tuition assistance now being offered to nursing majors. As with scholarship payments, the reimbursement process for the following incentives comes under the review of the battalion commander. Requests for reimbursable fees will be submitted to Resource Management at Headquarters, Cadet Command, for processing.
Book Allowance: Presently, the book allowance is at $1,200 per year divided between semesters. For nurse cadets, the total book allowance will be paid at the beginning of the Fall semester . This action will allow the cadet to purchase the high-cost reference books required for the year at the beginning of the Fall semester .
Nurse Malpractice Insurance: Many schools of nursing require their students to obtain student nurse liability (malpractice) insurance prior to beginning their clinical experience and hands-on patient care. All costs and fees associated with this yearly expense are reimbursable.
Immunization and Testing Prior to Beginning Clinical Training: All fees incurred by a cadet to meet mandatory immunization and/or laboratory testing required before coming in contact with patients are reimbursable. This includes, but is not limited to, PPD, Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus and HIV screening.
Allowance for Nursing Uniforms and Clinical Supplies: A major financial expense at the beginning of a student's clinical experience is the purchase of unique nursing uniforms for their school of nursing and associated equipment. Depending on the school's requirements, the cost can exceed $400. Therefore, there is a one-time payment to cover the cost of the required number of school of nursing uniforms (three max), lab coat (one) and shoes (two max). Accessories and equipment include, but are not limited to, a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, penlight, tape measure, bandage scissors, forceps, pocket/belt carrying pouch, clipboard and, if required, clinical bag for community health visits.
Clinical Nursing Fee: Depending on the school of nursing, there may be an additional fee for the use and upkeep of the "learning lab" area. This is an area within the School of Nursing that is set up like a hospital ward with beds, equipment and patient care models. Basic nursing theory and concepts, i.e., injections and bed baths, are practiced in this area before performing the skills on real patients. Also included in the fee is the cost for CPR certification required prior to entering a hospital setting
NCLEX-RN Review Course (even offered to non-scholarship students): For the nurse cadet to become a professional Registered Nurse (RN), they must take and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). An officer must pass the exam and hold a valid license before being accepted into the Army Nurse Corps. The knowledge used to pass this exam comes from years of attending classes within the School of Nursing. To assist students in focusing their studies and provide a general refresher of their nursing knowledge, many schools offer an NCLEX review course. Many times, a school of nursing will present this review as a non-credit elective during the last semester before graduation. There are also many private educational corporations that offer review courses in larger cities nationwide. The cost range is $250 - $400.
There are two methods of requesting reimbursement for this program. The preferred method is a review course offered through the school of nursing. The cost of the course is listed as an additional fee charged through the University for the semester in which the course takes place. If the school does not offer an NCLEX-RN review course, the nurse cadet may take one provided by an educational corporation such as Kaplan. This review course will be paid for only once. The nurse cadet does not have to take the review course prior to graduation, but the cadet must schedule it and then pay for it prior to graduation. Scholarship nurse cadet payments are processed through CCIMS/Scholarship Tracking Module. Non-scholarship nurse cadet payments are processed through the IMPAC credit card.
NCLEX-RN Testing Fee: A $200 processing fee is charged to cover the test center cost of administering the exam. No earlier than 60 days prior to graduation and no later than 30 days prior to graduation, the PMS will submit a request to Cadet Command for $200 to cover the cost of the cadet taking the NCLEX-RN. This process will allow the cadet to take advantage of this incentive while meeting the requirement for payment prior to graduation. The testing fee will only be reimbursed for the first attempt.
Please note this reimbursement does not include the fee charged by each state to process the license application. This fee ranges from $25 to $75, depending on the state. Each nurse will be required to renew their license through their particular state, either annually or biennially (dependent on state law). It is a professional responsibility to obtain and maintain a license to practice nursing. Cadet Command will not reimburse this cost.
Extension of Benefits for Mandatory Summer Sessions: The majority of nursing programs throughout the United States offer their required curriculum during the fall and spring semesters. However, there are a few schools that require students to attend specific courses during the summer between the sophomore and junior years and/or junior and senior years. For cadets taking an optional Summer Session to reduce their academic course load and to keep aligned with projected mission sets, an extension of scholarship benefits for summer tuition is required.
For cadets required to take mandatory summer coursework, CC allows the school to submit a request for payment without filing for an extension of benefits. Resource Management will pay the tuition and fees after cross-referencing the request with a list of schools and courses that are mandatory for academic progression.
Please review these incentives and, working with your school of nursing influencers, identify how they can make an impact on the recruitment and retention of your nurse cadets.
Learn MoreMeet the Rowan Cadre
Lieutenant Color Jared Nichols
Lietenant Colonel Jared Nichols is the Director of the Army Officer Education Program at Princeton University, more commonly known as the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (Army ROTC). Princeton Army ROTC is the host program in New Jersey for the crosstown Army ROTC program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and the Army ROTC extension program at Rowan University.
Lt. Col. Nichols is originally from Staten Island, NY, and his family is from the tristate area. He is a 2003 Army ROTC distinguished military graduate from West Virginia University, where he received a BA in History and was commissioned for active duty in the Armor Branch.
Following commissioning, Lt. Col. Nichols served as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Company Commander in the 1st Cavalry Division, deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II, OIF 06-08, and OIF 08-09. He served for a total of 38 months of combat and stability operations in Baghdad, Ninewah Province, Diyala Province, and Mosul.
After completing Company Command, he attended graduate school at Columbia University, earning an MA in Organizational Psychology, before moving to a follow-on assignment at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. At West Point, he served as an instructor, Company Tactical Officer, and Executive Officer for the United States Corps of Cadets (USCC).
Upon completion of his time at West Point, Lt. Col. Nichols assumed duties as the Battalion Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division. As Battalion XO, he deployed his unit to the Republic of Korea, serving as the vanguard for American and United Nations land forces against North Korean aggression. Following this deployment the unit safely returned to its home station at Fort Riley, KS.
Lt. Col. Nichols was then selected for the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), where he earned an MA in Military Operations before moving on to the G5 Strategic Planning staff of Gen. Cavoli at U.S. Army Europe-Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany. From this assignment, Lt. Col. Nichols was personally selected to serve on the staff of German Lt. Gen. von Sandrart at NATO Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland. In this postion, Lt. Col. Nichols helped coordinate NATO land force response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In his last assignment before joining Army ROTC, Lt. Col. Nichols served as the Chief of Plans at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Bavaria, Germany. In this role, Lt. Col. Nichols designed fully immersive training exercises for U.S. forces and NATO Allies and partners to prepare them for large-scale combat operations.
Lt. Col. Nichols awards include: Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, Airborne badge, Air Assault badge, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
Lt. Col. Nichols publications include:
- Leading, Following, and Influencing in a NATO Headquarters
- Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Mission That Every Unit in the Army Has...
- Building the Team: Finding the Time and Space for Leader Development in Organizations
He is pending publication in the 2025 Nov-Dec issue of Military Review for the article Meeting Mass with Mass: Why NATO Matters to the U.S. Army.
He can be found on Linkedin at: www.linkedin.com/in/jarednichols.
Captain Keith Burkhart
Captain Keith M Burkhart is the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the Rowan University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. This program is an extension school that falls under the host program based out of Princeton University as part of the Tiger Battalion.
CPT Burkhart is a born-and-bred South Jersey local, originally from Williamstown, but having resided in Franklinville, Newfield, Cherry Hill, and currently Monroeville with his wife and two children. Originally enlisting in the New Jersey Army National Guard in 2004 while in high school, he served as an enlisted Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) until 2019 when he commissioned via Accelerated Officer Candidate School into the Infantry branch. He is a graduate of Rutgers University, having earned a BS in Management and MS in Supply Chain Management.
His enlisted and NCO time has seen him serve as a communications specialist, logistics specialist, and Signals Section Chief while deploying to Iraq in 2008 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Botswana in 2012, and Qatar in 2014 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that time he also accessed into the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program becoming part of the small force of full-time support staff that ensure administrative, logistics, and training requirements are being executed between drilling periods for regular National Guard Soldiers and units.
Following his commissioning in 2019 and completion of the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course he would serve as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander in the 1st Battalion 114th Infantry, while also serving as their Training Officer in his AGR capacity. During this time he would serve in Washington D.C. in 2021, conduct several major exercises between 2022 and 2023, and would culminate with him leading and deploying his company to Syria in 2024 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
In 2025, he was assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion of the New Jersey Army National Guard, where he was chosen for the Assistant Professor of Military Science position at Rowan due to his local roots, broad experience, and commitment to building collaborative relationships between and across organizations.
CPT Burkhart’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Mountaineer Badge, and the Order of Saint Maurice.
Questions about Rowan's ROTC program?
Contact Our Team
Our team is happy to help you. Feel free to reach out with questions about Rowan's ROTC program to Captain Keith Burkhart via email (burkhart@rowan.edu) or by phone 609-258-4225.
Disclosures
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