Alumna Col. Elaine Edwards shares experiences with 100 students

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Col. Elaine Edwards believes the ROTC program is “the greatest leadership program in America.”

Edwards talked to a group of 100 students Wednesday in the Engineering and Technology Building in a presentation titled “Marketing Army Officership.”

She said people that go through the ROTC program experience long-term success because they are given a lot of responsibility.

“They have been given opportunities for leadership early in their careers,” she said.

The presentation was part of Central Michigan University’s Lead Week and was sponsored by the Col. William B. Nolde Lecture Series.

Edwards, the director of marketing of U.S. Army Cadet Command, is a CMU alumna. She graduated in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has since earned a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Edwards said the ROTC program has grown and improved since she attended CMU, but it adheres to the same fundamental principles. She has visited several campuses and said the program at CMU is “top notch.”

She said the skills people learn in the ROTC program are useful in military careers and civilian life.

“You’re going to take that set of values with you throughout your life,” she said. “I wanted to reach out to the cadets here and make a positive impression.”

The presentation ended with an overview of marketing strategies and the current “Army Strong” advertisement campaign, which promotes the message of officership in the military.

Greenville senior Roger Craig said he was interested to see the advertising techniques that brought him into the ROTC program.

“I’m used to seeing the combat arms side of the military,” he said. “I’m not used to seeing the marketing side.”

Zac Nelson, the executive officer of the ROTC Chippewa Battalion, said he thought Edwards’ presentation was one of the best programs they have had in the series.

“I liked how she told us about her experiences when she was in our shoes and related it to her career,” the Freeland senior said. “I just found that impressive.”