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The Forward March: The Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

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An integral piece in the Corps’ Forward March initiative, evolutions to the Hollingsworth Center will help propel the organization’s leadership development program toward the future.

For generations, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has prepared young men and women to lead at every level, within every sector. Though the unique leadership development program utilizes a military based training structure, military service is entirely optional for members of the Corps. In fact, over 60% of all graduating cadets go on to serve in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

General Hollingsworth "Danger 79er" statue on the Quad.
This statue of General James F. “Danger 79er” Hollingsworth ‘40 sits right inside of the arches on the Corps Quad. 

Recognizing the importance of developing leaders who are equipped to lead in every sector, the Corps Leadership Excellence Program was established in the early 2000s. This program, renamed in honor of General James F. “Danger 79er” Hollingsworth ‘40 in 2012, sought to provide professional development opportunities for Drill & Ceremony (non-military contracted) cadets.

Several present day growth efforts include a new partnership with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute, a stake in the university-level leadership minor and widespread growth in career development opportunities for cadets.

The Hollingsworth Center’s recent partnership with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute will enhance the pre-existing Certificate in Applied Ethical Leadership, which is awarded each spring to eligible cadets. Previously, certificate requirements featured a capstone course in ethical leadership and cadet documentation of their practical experiences across the university. Now, in addition to these requirements, cadets will now also engage with a curriculum rooted in the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and how their displayed characteristics of leadership are applicable in every setting, from personal to professional.

“Our mission of developing leaders of character aligns perfectly with the institute’s mission of inspiring Americans to reach their true character and leadership potential. Most of our non-commissioning graduates will never find themselves on a combat battlefield, but they can all selflessly serve others and live courageous lives of character in whatever career field they enter,” said Dr. Dave Keller, director of the Hollingsworth Center.

The end of the 2023-2024 academic year marked the first time that the Certificate in Applied Ethical Leadership was awarded in partnership with the National Medal of Honor Institute, with 148 cadets fulfilling the certificate requirements.

“I see the Certificate in Applied Ethical Leadership as one of the tangible examples of what you get to experience and learn as a member of the Corps of Cadets,” Daniel Mackenzie, a recent graduate of Texas A&M and 2023-2024 Aggie Band Commander, said.

“I felt that incorporating exposure to the Medal of Honor Institute as a requirement for earning the certificate was a great way to honor what the Corps stems from: the courage and sacrifices of servicemen and women before us. This partnership gave me the chance to pour some reflection into others’ demonstrations of courage,” Mackenzie explained. 

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

The Hollingsworth Center is also a stakeholder in Texas A&M’s university-level leadership minor, which features interdisciplinary course offerings from different colleges and departments across campus, to include Communications and Ag Leadership, among others. Incorporating the center’s School of Military Sciences (SOMS) course offerings, the minor’s curriculum consists of foundational, practice-focused courses offered by colleges and departments across campus that allow cadets to dive into areas that support their professional goals, while also helping them make sense of their experiences through a capstone course and reflection. Ever evolving in the courses it encompasses, students pursuing the leadership minor, whether they’re members of the Corps or not, have the opportunity to experience more of Texas A&M’s educational offerings than before.

“When you look at the various SOMS course topics that are taught by the Hollingsworth Center, it is evident that their place in the leadership minor makes for a very natural partnership. Our participation in the leadership minor opens the door for students across campus to engage with our SOMS courses,” Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said.

“What we’re teaching here on the Quad isn’t exclusively beneficial to cadets. Each and every student at Texas A&M is capable of becoming an impactful leader of character, and these courses are just another way for them to pursue that goal,” Michaelis continued.

In addition to these two partnerships, the Hollingsworth Center is also assessing its existing course teachings and other developmental offerings. Present course curriculums are undergoing evaluation to ensure relevance to the leadership challenges of today and of tomorrow.

“We’re preparing young men and women for success in all aspects of their lives. Whether it’s personal, academic or professional, we want to equip them for futures that are filled with lasting impact on themselves, their communities and their families. We’re making leaders for every arena, and we want to ensure that the course work they experience during their time here is aligned with that sentiment,” Michaelis said.

General Welsh speaks to cadets and students in Rudder Forum
Each spring, the Corps of Cadets’ Hollingsworth Center hosts the Intentional Leadership Conference (ILC). Open to all members of Texas A&M’s campus community and other visitors, the ILC seeks to grow participants’ understanding of ethical leadership through various panel discussions and keynote speakers.

The Hollingsworth Center is also seeking to grow its practical, applicable outside-the-classroom activities, such as its interview and resume workshops and “R U Ready?” events, which feature networking opportunities with representatives from companies and agencies such as the FBI, Lockheed-Martin and Dell Technologies, to name a few. 

“One of the primary purposes of the Corps experience is career readiness. We are preparing cadets to face the global challenges of the future – regardless of whether those challenges occur in military, corporate, or public service contexts,” Dr. Dave Keller, Director of the Hollingsworth Center, explained.

“It is important to remember that the Hollingsworth Center is not really a job placement service for cadets. While it’s true that we do partner with hundreds of companies and the TAMU Career Center to help our students get hired, our primary purpose is growth and development in the essential competencies required for success in today’s job market. We don’t just aim to help students find a job. Instead, we want them to be incredibly prepared to flourish when they get to their first job,” Keller continued.

The Hollingsworth Center also advises several growing special units, including the Corps Cybersecurity Operations Special Unit (COSU). Through the COSU, the Hollingsworth Center plays an immense role in the partnership between Texas A&M’s Cyber Leader Development Program and the unit. This program, which is funded by the Department of Defense and managed by Texas A&M’s Cybersecurity Center, “prepares select students for military or civilian careers with Department of Defense organizations.” The Hollingsworth Center aids the partnership by growing interest and additional funding for the program.

“At the individual, local, state and national levels, we face an increase in cyber threats which are becoming more frequent and complex. The COSU is a unique aspect of the Corps’ leadership laboratory that directly addresses the need and demand for cyber professionals,” said Colonel Kenn Allison, Associate Director of the Corps’ Hollingsworth Center and the Staff Advisor to the Cyber Operations Unit.

A living testament to the Corps’ mission of developing well-rounded leaders for service in every arena, the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership continues to be a cornerstone of the Corps’ Forward March. If you are interested in aiding the Hollingsworth Center in its continued support of cadets and their goals, please contact Kelly Corcoran at the Texas A&M Foundation.

Corps Holistic Development Series: A Living Leadership Laboratory

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An image of Alexa Reichert during a march-in. The following quote is included: "“I joined the Corps of Cadets with the intention of leaving. I thought that my path was going to be at the United States Naval Academy, but I was wrong. I realized that I was the artist of my own life, and the tapestry was exactly where I’d found myself planted: Texas A&M.”

“I joined the Corps of Cadets with the intention of leaving. I thought that my path was going to be at the United States Naval Academy, but I was wrong. I realized that I was the artist of my own life, and the tapestry was exactly where I’d found myself planted: Texas A&M.”

A spring 2024 graduate of Texas A&M, Alexa Reichert spent her four years at the university as part of the oldest, largest and most visible student organization on campus: the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Beginning in Company A-1 and finishing her time in the Corps as the Third Battalion Commander, Reichert says that her growth as a leader within the organization was evident across all four years. 

“I stayed because I knew there was something at A&M that I found as a cadet that I wouldn’t find anywhere else. When I was 18 years old I couldn’t explain it, but as a recent graduate, I can confidently say that the spirit of Aggieland is alive and well to those who seek it,” Reichert said. 

“The leadership laboratory that the Corps provided me consisted of hard conversations and maturing in how I dealt with adversity. It was specifically through my leadership exercises in the Corps that I learned how to advocate for myself and help others accomplish a common goal,” Alexa continued. 

Though heavily involved within the Corps, Reichert also found that her membership in the organization propelled her to reach new heights as a sociology major and as a member of the Texas A&M Gymnastics Team. Utilizing many different elements of the Corps experience, Reichert was able to push past her self perceived limitations and develop skills that have extended beyond her time in the organization.

“The Corps has prepared me as a leader by giving me opportunities to challenge myself and my mental, spiritual and physical abilities. Each lesson that I’ve learned in the Corps, even the hard ones, have been worth it in terms of how much I have grown. Whether it was utilizing the Corps specific academic advisors or working through injuries with the Corps physical trainers, I felt ready to break past the obstacles thrown my way, both on the Quad and off,” Reichert said. 

“For me, the Hollingsworth Center in particular promoted leadership development on a very personal level. They always encouraged deep personal reflection and decision making that was genuine and swift, but also just. Being able to take classes with them helped me network and gain mentorship that I continue to lean on today. I was able to form my own leadership style and apply it during my time as a Commander in the Corps and also in my involvements outside of the organization,” she continued. 

Post-graduation, Reichert now works for Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets as an Corps Term Recruiter. Through this unique opportunity, Reichert will be embedded with Texas A&M’s Prospective Student Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Corps Term Recruiter, Alexa will help prospective students learn more about the Corps of Cadets and the wide range of opportunities that are available to them as members of the organization. 

“It is a privilege of mine to now serve as a recruiter for the Corps of Cadets. I am able to help people realize their potential for success that spans far beyond the classroom. The Corps develops leaders that will go on to serve those around them in a variety of ways, across many different endeavors. Being able to instill that sentiment in interested young men and women serves as a powerful reminder of what the Corps of Cadets offered me,” Alexa said. 

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Cyber Operations Unit Prepares Cadets To Defend Tomorrow’s Cyberscape

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As the university’s premier leadership development program, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is home to young men and women from all walks of life. Whether they aim to enter the public, private, military or non-profit sectors after graduation, each cadet’s Corps experience is lined with opportunities that ensure their academic, professional and personal development.

For cadets who desire to enter the ever evolving cyber operations field, the Corps supplements their development through the Corps Cyber Operations Special Unit (COSU). Established in 2017, the team’s present day growth is being supported by developmental efforts from the Office of the Commandant and other outside donors. Recent investments include a dedicated “cyber-range” space for the team to meet on the Quad, which will aid COSU cadets in their preparation for the future of the industry.  

“At the individual, local, state and national levels, we face an increase in cyber threats which are becoming more frequent and complex.The COSU is a unique aspect of the Corps’ leadership laboratory that directly addresses the need and demand for cyber professionals,” said Colonel Kenn Allison, Associate Director of the Corps’ Hollingsworth Center and the Staff Advisor to the Cyber Operations Unit.

Members of the team compete in several events throughout the year, culminating in the National Security Agency’s Cyber Exercise (NCX) in the spring semester. At the NCX, the COSU competes against teams from each of the other Senior Military Colleges and United States Service Academies. The team’s access to state of the art practice equipment in their cyber range area, which is currently still in a state of need, largely dictates their preparation for events such as this. 

“We face a variety of technical challenges such as reverse engineering software to find vulnerabilities, creating malware and deploying it in a testing environment, and utilizing general IT skills. This is not an exhaustive list, as these competitions change often and encompass a wide variety of other topics. So, it goes without saying that problem-solving ability and the ability to think on your feet and learn quickly are paramount in these competitions,” senior cadet Jeremy Murray, 2024-2025 commanding officer of the unit, said.

Over the last seven years, the team has seen increasing levels of success. Competing alongside members of Texas A&M’s Cyber Leader Development program, the COSU’s participation in the 2024 NCX saw one team participating in person at the Maritime Conference Center in Maryland, and two others participating virtually from back in Texas. 

The team’s efforts earned them fourth place out of the Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) who competed and an eighth overall finish. There were merely 7 points (of 100) that separated the COSU from the top SMC, University of North Georgia team.   

“While our placement may not seem like an extreme achievement, it is when considering the academies have significant training, infrastructure and experience. These are gaps we are working hard to close,” Murray said. 

Due to the quickly evolving field, the need for resources such as equipment, training, travel and certification funds continues to grow. Presently, funding for more advanced technical equipment, travel expenses and competition fees are some of the team’s most pressing needs. With the proper resources in place, members of the unit will be better prepared for the wide range of challenges they are tasked with during competitions.

“Current operating costs are based on a 30-person unit and average nearly $1,500 per cadet per year. If membership increases, I estimate the operating costs will rise proportionally. Rapid advancements in technology require constant updates to training programs, software and hardware to ensure that our team is prepared for the most relevant challenges,” Allison said.

The Corps Cyber Operations Special Unit continues to meet the Corps’ mission statement of producing well rounded leaders of character who are prepared for the leadership challenges of the future. 

“The Cyber Operations Unit is a prime example of how the Corps prepares young men and women for tomorrow’s world. The cyber field is only growing, and we are proud to facilitate the professional growth of our students in this realm,” Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said. 

If you are interested in helping the Corps Cyber Operations Special Unit prepare for the defense of tomorrow’s cyberscape, please contact Kelly Corcoran at the Texas A&M Foundation here. 

Corps of Cadets Launches Enhanced Onboarding Experience For Cadets

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Texas A&M's oldest student organization and premier leadership development program, the Corps of Cadets, has developed leaders for nearly 150 years. The first step of that leadership development begins before the Corps' newest members even step foot in their first class at A&M. Fall Orientation Week (FOW), which occurs before the start of classes, has served as freshman cadets’ welcome to the organization, preparing them for academic success and life in the Corps.

With input from current cadet leadership, the “essence of Fall Orientation Week” will be expanded to all members of the Corps, says Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets. 

“We’re preserving the best parts of FOW while adding key leadership training elements to make it more impactful for all cadets,” he remarked.

The Expansion of the Fall Orientation Week Experience

The expanded experience, called Corps Onboarding, will retain a similar staffing structure and training intent to the previous year’s orientation. The freshman experience continues to focus on familiarizing freshmen with life in the Corps of Cadets, traditions and Corps expectations. 

“The new Corps onboarding operation was initiated by cadet leadership to unify the Corps under a cohesive training standard. I strongly believe that the culture and identity associated with our outfits provides a sense of pride and are major motivations for joining the Corps. Onboarding allows freshmen to be embraced by their new Corps family and units to foster all-around camaraderie. I am committed to maintaining and strengthening this esprit de corps,” Deandre Macri, 2024-2025 Corps Commander, said. 

Cadet advisors, known as cadre, will train and acclimate new cadets into the Corps lifestyle and academic standards. Consistent with previous years, outfit cadre members will include sophomore, junior and senior cadets. Additional training for cadet leaders and cadet advisors will occur in preparation for freshman arrival, during the traditional freshman onboarding, and continue into the first two weeks of the semester.

Corporals Course

A featured element of the new onboarding experience is the Corporals Course. Designed for sophomore cadets and executed by a cadet task force, the Corporals Course will provide a refresher on Corps leadership standards and expectations while establishing a baseline understanding of values and traditions amongst cadets. 

“Instead of waiting until the weekend before class starts, sophomores will now return early to complete a Corporals Course focused on educating and certifying on the standards, values, and traditions of the Corps while also refreshing leadership lessons from the spring,” Michaelis said. 

Upon completion of the Corporals Course, sophomores will certify and integrate into their respective outfit cadre.  

“The Corporals Course is going to be a huge step for our sophomores as they enter this new phase of their leadership development journeys. Each one of them is a major part of the development of our freshman cadets, and the Corporals Course seeks to equip them for this responsibility,” Michaelis explained.

Back in The Saddle Training

Additionally, each returning cadet will undergo and certify in “Back in The Saddle” (BITS) training with their cadet leadership during the first weeks of the semester. BITS will recalibrate all cadets on the standards, values and traditions of the Corps of Cadets ahead of the new school year, and emphasize the importance in achieving a cohesive standard across the entire Corps.  

“This is an important evolution to the Corps experience. This new operation also provides each class year with an immersive leadership course that can be directly applied to our society,” Macri said. 

“My personal vision for the Corps of Cadets is that we remain a unified student organization and leadership development program that’s rooted in discipline, promotes a world-class education and fosters camaraderie through shared accountability to our standards and cadet values,” Macri continued. 

Grounded in Tradition, Advancing Toward the Future

Though ever-evolving, the Corps’ unique, military-based cultural model remains anchored to what the organization has always sought to do: develop well educated leaders of character for the challenges of tomorrow.

“At its core purpose, Fall Orientation Week is not changing. It is extending for increased impact. Forged through conversations and collaboration across all levels of current cadet leadership, this expanded experience seeks to prepare each cadet, new or continuing, for impactful leadership beyond their time here. The Corps is a four year leadership laboratory, and this experience will expand upon that development for all class levels within the Corps,” Michaelis continued. 

“We are excited to see this new plan in action in August. Whether a student in the Corps is a freshman, senior, or somewhere in between, there’s learning to be done and growth to be had. This expanded experience seeks to draw those lessons and that growth out of each cadet from day one,” Michaelis said.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets to Conduct March-In for the Lone Star Showdown

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The Corps of Cadets will continue its gameday tradition of marches before home games for the game against the University of Texas at Austin

The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is excited to announce a campus march will be conducted prior to the Lone Star Showdown against the University of Texas at Austin on Nov. 30, 2024. An iconic part of the Aggie gameday experience, the Corps of Cadets conducts march-ins prior to every home game in Kyle Field.

Though the Corps hasn’t conducted march-ins prior to home games during Thanksgiving week in the past several years, this year’s march-in will celebrate the return of the football rivalry with the University of Texas while showcasing the full Aggie Spirit for old and new fans alike.

“It is only fitting that the Corps of Cadets welcomes t.u. back to Aggieland with one of the best gameday traditions out there,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, commandant of cadets.

While march-in details are pending the announcement of game time, Aggies and football fans alike can expect a show of pageantry and school spirit from the Corps. The campus march will begin on the Quad, home of the Corps of Cadets, where the firing of the Spirit of ‘02 cannon by Parsons Mounted Cavalry will signal the start of the march. The Corps, led by the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, will lead the Corps off the Quad.

The Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program, is as old as the university. Known as the Keepers of the Spirit and Guardians of Tradition, the Corps plays a key part in upholding several of the traditions for which Texas A&M is known.

“The Corps is special to a lot of Aggies. This rivalry is one of the most well-known in college sports. There isn’t a better way for the Corps to show its support and stand as the 12th Man than showing up in full force”, Michaelis said.

Details for Corps’ march-ins will be posted as game times are announced at corps.tamu.edu/events.

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Amy Thompson, [email protected], 979-862-1922

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