News

Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership Enables Cadets to Grow Their Capabilities

September 21, 2022 by rnelson

As one of the nation’s top leadership development organizations, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets provides students with many top tier resources to prepare them for success far beyond graduation. Among these resources is the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership. Through the Hollingsworth Center, cadets can partake in several leadership courses that aim to set them up for success in their future careers.

“The Hollingsworth Center works primarily with students who are not going into the military upon graduation, although we certainly have several that do. Our SOMS [School of Military Science] program of study begins during the spring semester of their sophomore year, where we focus on helping cadets find their strengths and lead from a perspective of authenticity,” Dr. Dave Keller, Director of the Hollingsworth Center, said.

In the fall of their junior year, cadets take SOMS 380: Workshop in Leadership Education.

“SOMS 380 is the second course for our students. It focuses heavily on finding their leadership constraints and blind spots, and then developing an action plan to intentionally improve in these critical areas. In later semesters, students learn more about the science of leadership, along with how to lead teams and organizations more effectively,” Keller said.

Within SOMS 380, students learn from professors of practice who are leaders in their own fields. In the Fall 2022 semester, cadets in this course enjoy recurring presentations from Texas A&M Men’s Basketball Coach, Buzz Williams.

“We are extremely excited to have Coach Williams partnering with us for this course. First, it shows Coach’s commitment to the students at Texas A&M goes far beyond wins and losses on the basketball court. It shows how committed Coach is to helping students grow and develop into the best leaders – and people – they can be. We’re thrilled that he is partnering with us. It is important to say that this isn’t just a one-shot ‘guest speaker’ event. Coach Williams has committed to working with our students throughout the semester,” Keller said.

With these semester-long partnerships in place, students taking courses offered by the Hollingsworth Center are more equipped than ever to explore their potential to grow as leaders.

“Whenever cadets can learn from a presenter such as Coach Buzz Williams, there are many opportunities for personal and professional gain. It could reinforce what they are already learning in SOMS, or present a new concept, or allow them to hear something that applies to their life right now. There are countless opportunities to benefit from an experience like this. Coach Williams is a high achiever, lifelong learner, and very enthusiastic about teaching. He has so much to offer and we are thrilled with this partnership,” Dr. Darin Paine, Associate Director for the Hollingsworth Center, said.

During Coach Williams’ first lesson, he described the impact of one’s leadership, and how it reaches far beyond the immediate individuals that they are assigned to lead.

“You’re not just leading yourself. You’re leading yourself, your organization and their families. If you learn to process information unselfishly… there is no ceiling for your leadership possibilities,” Williams said.

With the Hollingsworth Center’s four year Corps Leadership Development Model in place, students in the Corps are taught how to develop themselves, others, teams and organizations as they progress through their college career. Through this development model and carefully structured courses such as SOMS 380, the Hollingsworth Center provides cadets with the necessary tools to be successful in any profession they choose to pursue.

“Cadets are, first and foremost, students at Texas A&M. They all are gaining knowledge and expertise in their respective career areas through their individual college and academic programs. What we do is go beyond their technical education by providing a set of top-tier opportunities for them to grow in their leadership and character. In doing so, we make students across the campus better able to lead well in an increasingly complex world – regardless of their academic major or career intentions. Perhaps now more than ever, the world needs leaders of character who are prepared to meet the global challenges of the future. We help prepare them to do exactly that,” Dr. Keller said.

From leadership development to career readiness lessons, the Hollingsworth Center has consistently served as an incredible resource for cadets to succeed academically, and in their professional and personal lives. For more information about the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership, visit here.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Cadet Jake Worrell ‘23 Wears Former Governor Rick Perry ‘72’s Senior Boots at March-In

September 7, 2022 by rnelson

As a member of Company D-1 in the Corps of Cadets, Jake Worrell ‘23 has dreamed of donning the Corps’ coveted senior boots since he was a child.

“Growing up, I always saw my dad’s senior boots in a display case, so I knew that what they symbolized was the real deal. They’re a symbol of everything and everyone that the Corps represents,” Jake explained.

While the first march-in of the season is always a momentous time for every member of the Corps, this past Saturday was extra special for Jake.

“When my dad was in college here, as a cadet in L-1, class of 1994, he worked for the Board of Regents and actually drove Governor Perry to a game, and then back to the airport once it was over. My dad was killed in Iraq in 2006 and Governor Perry attended his funeral. He called my family and I just about every month after that to check in on us. He’s always told me to give him a call when I was a senior in the Corps so I could wear his boots to a game. It’s really cool to see this actually happen,” Jake said of the experience.

An iconic part of every senior cadet’s uniform, Jake spoke to the importance of what wearing his boots means to him.

“Wearing my senior boots has made everything up to this point worth it. It is a really nice reward. The pressure is on to do a great job at being a leader when I’m wearing them.”

When asked what wearing former Governor Perry’s boots meant to him, Jake was quick to highlight the significance of what these boots in particular symbolize.

“Governor Perry has done so much for my family and I, in addition to the state of Texas, Texas A&M, and our nation. Being able to have the privilege of wearing these 50 year old boots, representing him and everything he stands for, is so special to me. It is an honor more than anything, being able to literally walk in his shoes. My brother, Luke, is a fish in Company L-1 this year, so I am looking forward to him having this same opportunity in a few years.”

With the promise to his father, Major Matthew Worrell ‘94, United States Army, of being a member of the Corps of Cadets fulfilled, Jake is able to take a look back on what his time as a cadet has meant to him.

“Being a cadet, I feel like I represent the university in a very significant way. Not a lot of schools have a huge organization that’s as nationally known as the Corps. It is cool to be a part of something that’s been around for so long, carrying on old legacies and traditions, being a Guardian of Tradition and Keeper of the Spirit. Being those two things is very serious to me, and being able to exemplify those things everyday is something that I really wanted to immerse myself in. I wanted to fulfill this promise to my dad,” Jake said.

As a University Studies Leadership major and the Public Relations and Athletics Officer for Company D-1, Jake maintains a very busy schedule and has managed to overcome many challenges throughout his college career. Most notably, Jake transferred to Texas A&M in 2020 after beginning his journey at Tarleton State University.

“Obviously, I would’ve loved to have come to A&M on my first try, but if I got the chance to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. This is the path that I was supposed to take. I made some of my best friends at Tarleton State and even had some of them transfer with me into D-1. I didn’t get the “normal” Corps experience, but I get MY Corps experience, which is something I’m so grateful for. Initially, I was devastated when I didn’t get accepted into A&M. The spirit of Aggieland is real, and I’ve felt its impact throughout my whole life. There’s no way I wasn’t going to do whatever I could to get to the greatest university in the world,” Jake said.

With his senior year off to a strong start, Jake took time to reflect on why he chose to join the Corps.

“I chose to join not because I wanted to pursue a military contract, but because I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself. It is the best decision that I have ever made, looking at who I am now. It is a challenge, but is so worth it in the ways that you will grow. The bonds I have made here are incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced in the past. It is so much fun being able to represent Texas A&M in this way.”

The Corps of Cadets is home to many outstanding individuals, and Jake Worrell is a shining example. Through years of hard work, determination, and support from his loved ones, Jake has represented Texas A&M, the Corps, and his family well in all of his endeavors. Jake’s experience at the first march-in is symbolic of the Aggie family, its commitment to supporting one another, and the strength of the Spirit of Aggieland.

We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we.

In Memory of Major Matthew Worrell ‘94.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

August 24, 2022 by rnelson

On September 30th, 1992, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center opened its doors with a simple but strong mission statement: “Promote the past, preserve the present, and protect the future of the Corps of Cadets.” Thirty years later, the Corps Center continues to serve as a welcome hub for all Aggies and guests of Texas A&M.

“The Corps Center is the front door of the Corps. Every new cadet passes through this door at the start of their journey, old Ags bring their grandchildren here to show them what the Corps is, and it also gives our SEC rivals a space to come and learn more about the Corps while they visit campus for sporting events. It is a welcome center and showpiece of what the Corps has to offer,” Corps Center Director, Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Jeff Gardner ‘82, said of the Corps Center.

In recent years, the mission statement of the Corps Center has been modified only to encompass the promotion, preservation and protection of the entire history of Texas A&M, in addition to the Corps of Cadets. By widening the scope of the overall mission, the Corps Center has grown into a place that all visitors, regardless of whether they have any ties to the Corps, can visit and immerse themselves in the rich history of Texas A&M as a whole.

“Our goal is always to continue to evolve. We like to maintain relevancy and keep the interest of both previous, current and future generations of Aggies and cadets. There is a lot of history in this building that isn’t solely tied to the Corps. We house the oldest known original Aggie ring here. We have an extensive gun collection. We have some of the original Medals of Honor that former students have received. There’s plenty of really engaging pieces,” Gardner said.

In addition to functioning as a museum and welcome area, the Corps Center also offers several developmental opportunities for current cadets. From providing hands-on opportunities to cadets who are interested in the history of the Corps and Texas A&M, to housing all of the Corps’ recruiting initiatives, the Corps Center has plenty to offer to those seeking more out of their time as cadets.

“There are several educational opportunities available to current cadets at the Corps Center. Transfer cadets visit the Corps Center to learn more about the history of the Corps as they begin their journey. The Corps Center Guard is a special unit that allows cadets to get hands-on experience and help update the exhibits we have in the Corps Center. In addition, every recruiting event begins here. Cadets are able to give tours of the Quad to everyone from elementary school aged kids to Old Ags,” Gardner explained.

Aside from the educational opportunities that are available, two key programs for cadets in need of essential uniform pieces are also a major aspect of the Corps Center. Both specifically targeted to senior cadets, these programs allow students to check out items for use during their final year in the Corps, free of charge.

“One of the biggest things that is run out of here is our Sam Browne and saber loan programs. More donations to those programs are always needed and appreciated, as they ensure that our seniors in need are taken care of,” Gardner said.

As the Corps of Cadets begins the new March to 3,000 initiative, the need for upgraded facilities is critical. With the Corps Center recently unveiling an extensive renovation plan, the community now has the opportunity to give to a central part of the Texas A&M experience. Plans for the Corps Center include more interactive displays and many other features that will enable a more immersive experience for visitors.

“We need something that highlights Corps and the events that occur throughout the academic year. With these renovations, we hope to really catch the attention of visitors and potential cadets and show them what they could be a part of here,” Gardner said of the planned renovations.

As one of the only centers that is dedicated to the preservation and records of Texas A&M’s history and traditions, the Sam Houston Corps Center is a place for everyone – Aggies and non-Aggies alike – to appreciate the significance of Texas A&M’s contributions to our local communities, our state, and our nation.

If you are interested in supporting the Corps Center’s renovation efforts, contact the Texas A&M Foundation at givetocorps@txamfoundation.com. Every dollar counts, and goes directly towards supporting all past, present and future cadets and friends of Texas A&M.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Harrison Daniels ’22 Accepted Into Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute

June 6, 2022 by rnelson

The Corps of Cadets is home to nearly two thousand students who are pursuing various educational and professional pathways. Engineering majors, Political Science majors, Business majors, and many others all frequently find their place on the Quad; but of them all, there is only one Performance Studies major that wears a Corps uniform in the classroom.

His name is Harrison Daniels, and he is a senior in Company E-2. Originally from Calgary, Canada, Harrison has had quite the successful Corps career. As a third generation Aggie, the decision to join the Corps of Cadets seems to be one that came naturally to Harrison.

“I joined the Corps because I wanted to get the complete experience here at A&M. I wanted to fully immerse myself into a different culture and really take it all in. Both my grandfather and my dad were Aggies before me, so it just made sense.”

Originally an Economics major, Harrison made the decision to switch to Performance Studies during his freshman year.

“I didn’t really know until my freshman year that this was my passion. I signed up for an acting class and I just absolutely fell in love with it. I’d acted in high school and just never really had taken it seriously, but I felt like something was missing without it. When I took that class my freshman year, it instantly clicked and became something that I really looked forward to. That was when I really began to pursue acting more,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s passion for theater will not end after his time at Texas A&M, as he was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute in New York City. Notable alumni from the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute include Hayden Christensen, Chris Evans, and Angelina Jolie. With this acceptance, Harrison is excited to further develop his acting skills at the next level.

“I applied to acting school because I really wanted to focus more on that aspect. Even though Performance Studies here isn’t focused specifically on acting, it definitely created a very solid foundation for me. I accepted my offer of admission to the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute’s Two Year Conservatory program because I believe that they have one of the best programs in the nation. I think that their alumni and their faculty really speak for themselves in terms of success.”

Though his time with Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets is drawing to a close, Harrison says there are many things that he has gained throughout his experience that will stay with him forever.

“My favorite part about being at Texas A&M and in the Corps of Cadets has been the unique experience. It has shown me two different parts of the world and allowed me to understand people from entirely different backgrounds than me. It has prepared me for my future in a really amazing, nonconventional way,” Harrison explained.

If you are not from Texas, but still considering a future with the Corps of Cadets, Harrison has some words of advice.

“For other international students coming to the Corps, just fully embrace it. It is definitely going to be a bit of a culture shock, but once you commit yourself to the change, you’re going to have a blast.”

The Corps of Cadets welcomes students with a variety of passions and interests from a multitude of backgrounds. Whether you’re from College Station, Texas, Calgary, Canada, or anywhere across the world, there is a place for everyone in the Corps.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

PMC Gives Old Boots New Purpose

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

One of the most iconic symbols of the Corps of Cadets are the coveted senior boots. A part of every senior cadet’s uniform, these handcrafted boots are also the most expensive piece. Each year, hundreds of cadets are unable to afford purchasing their own boots. Recognizing the need for a solution to this issue, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center established the generous Boot Loan Program in 2003. Through the Corps Center, cadets are loaned a pair of boots for their senior year, and add their names to the rich history of cadets that have worn the same pair before them.

Naturally, after many years of wear, older boots become unserviceable and can no longer be used by the Boot Loan Program. Though their use as senior boots comes to an end, members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s Leather Chain are able to repurpose them and extend their useability through a number of different projects.

“It’s amazing to me to be able to give these boots a new purpose. There is so much history and tradition imbued in them, and to be able to continue using them by turning them into useful items allows us to preserve their beauty and purpose,” Jackson Ghatalia ‘23 (Company A-1) said of the opportunity.

Not only do these projects allow for the leather to be repurposed, they also allow cadets to express their creativity while developing a new skill.

“My favorite part about working on these projects is the ability to gain and develop such an amazing skill. I love learning new things, and to learn more about a skill that not many people have is quite amazing. You gain a level of respect for the amount of work that it takes to craft many everyday leather products, and gain the skills to start doing your own work and making things for yourself and others that will be cherished for years,” Jackson said.

These leather projects are just one of the many opportunities that cadets have to express themselves and learn new skills. The Corps of Cadets enables and encourages every member to discover, explore, and develop new passions.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22