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ROTC will continue at Ripon College

Ripon will remain a cross town partner with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, which will transition to a Cadet Command Extension Unit of Marquette University and be staffed by the Wisconsin Army National Guard

Ripon, WI (11/12/2025) — The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Ripon College will continue, despite a previous announcement from the United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) that resulted in the discontinuation of several ROTC programs nationwide, including the Fox Valley Battalion, with which Ripon was affiliated.

As part of the revitalization of ROTC at Ripon, the College will establish a cross town partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO), which will transition to a Cadet Command Extension Unit of Marquette University and be staffed by the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

"The Fox Valley ROTC program is excited that Ripon College will continue to be an important partner in producing high-quality leaders for the United States Army," UWO Professor of Military Science and Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Doiron said. "Ripon College Cadets will continue to closely work with military science instructors based out of UWO to prepare for military service post-graduation. They will participate in military science coursework at the UWO campus and conduct weekly leadership laboratories with Cadets from across Northeastern Wisconsin. Under this arrangement, Ripon College Cadets will continue to have an impact across the United States Army and their community as the leaders of tomorrow."

Following the initial decision to close the Fox Valley Battalion unit in June, the U.S. Army Cadet Command said the unit at UWO would remain operational under a modified structure. Rather than functioning as a host unit, UWO would act as an extension unit of Marquette University's ROTC program.

Senior ROTC host units are ROTC programs with a full-time staff located on campus, providing Cadets with the opportunity to train and attend classes related to their military education. Extension units are linked to host institutions and have a more limited staff on campus, but still offer Cadets the flexibility to take ROTC courses at their own campus. Cross town institutions are linked to either host or extension units and offer Cadets the ability to participate in military science-related training and education at the linked institution.

Ripon students will continue their coursework at Ripon College, live on campus and participate in sports and clubs, while also attending military science classes and leadership labs at the UWO campus.

"This partnership represents a significant step in ensuring that Cadets at Ripon College can continue their military training and education seamlessly, fostering growth in leadership and discipline while pursuing their academic goals," President Victoria N. Folse said. "We are proud to support our students as they balance their academic pursuits with the demands of military service, which prepares them for impactful careers both in and out of the military."

About Ripon College: Founded in 1851, Ripon College is a private liberal arts and science institution nestled in Ripon, Wisconsin. Ripon College is dedicated to delivering personalized education through a diverse array of undergraduate programs and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring students enjoy a well-rounded college experience. Ripon College enrolls approximately 700 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. The college's picturesque, historic campus and vibrant community provide a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

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Ripon College's ROTC program will remain a cross town partner with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, which will transition to a Cadet Command Extension Unit of Marquette University and be staffed by the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

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