New Army ROTC Training Facility in the Works
July 17, 2019
3D renderings of the new training facility. Click images to view larger.
By Noell Saunders
Old Dominion University's Army ROTC cadets may soon have a new home.
The University wants to convert what was a swimming pool behind Rollins Hall into a $1 million training facility that will include space to store supplies, showers, a physical fitness area and classrooms for training sessions.
In an effort to match the Army's physical fitness compliance standards, which will be effective in the fall of 2020, the 5,000-square-foot facility would allow for programs and activities designed to retain and attract high-achieving students. More importantly, the space could be used for improved leadership development and training, education in military science and other program needs.
Army ROTC training is conducted at multiple locations due to the lack space.
"We will have more space than before," said Lt. Col. Rhana Kurdi, professor of military science and department chair. "This new facility also gives us a brand and will prepare our cadets for their careers after ODU, whether in the Army or elsewhere."
The Army ROTC was established at Old Dominion in 1969 as part of the Darden School of Education. In the 1974-75 school year, a military science curriculum was established that is fully recognized by the University for academic credit. In 2003, the Faculty Senate approved an academic minor in military leadership studies.
The program is now one of the Strome College Business' academic departments. It currently has 180 cadets and is projected to enroll about 225 this fall.
"This gives us an opportunity to grow the ROTC program and it will have a tremendous impact on the University as these students will have access to study a variety of disciplines while becoming officers," said Jeff Tanner, Strome College of Business dean.
The project plans and design will officially be unveiled during the ROTC's 50th anniversary celebration, scheduled for Sept 26-28.
Pending successful fundraising, construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2020.
