UNC-Chapel Hill Army ROTC Earns Prestigious MacArthur Award

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Army ROTC program has been named a recipient of the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Award for the fifth time in its history, recognizing it as one of the top ROTC programs in the nation for excellence in leadership, training and overall performance.

Established in 1989 by the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation in partnership with U.S. Army Cadet Command, the MacArthur Award is a hallmark of excellence within the ROTC community. It honors the top eight programs in the country that best exemplify General MacArthur's enduring ideals of duty, honor and country.

"This award is far more than a simple recognition; it is a testament to the unyielding grit, character, and drive of our UNC Army ROTC Cadets," said Lisa Klekowski, lieutenant colonel and chair of the UNC department of military science. "These men and women don't just chase excellence-they live it, embodying the 'Duty-Honor-Country' ideal in every mission they undertake. While we are humbled to stand among the nation's premier programs, this honor belongs to our cadets. Their commitment to being elite teammates and selfless community leaders defines our culture. They represent the very best of the United States Army and the enduring standard of excellence at UNC-Chapel Hill. I am immensely proud of these cadets."

The award recognizes not only the program's institutional excellence but also the individual and collective achievements of its cadets across academics, physical fitness, leadership and service.

"The Army ROTC program is an integral part of the College, and this recognition underscores the extraordinary caliber of our cadets and the faculty and staff who support them," said Jim White, dean of the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. "The MacArthur Award reflects not only excellence in training and leadership, but also a deep commitment to service, scholarship and community. We are proud to see our students recognized at the highest level and grateful for the role this program plays in preparing principled leaders for the future."

The award was formally presented on April 17, 2026, by Major General (Ret.) Joseph Reynes, executive director of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Reynes, a veteran fighter pilot with more than 3,800 flight hours and a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force, has held senior leadership roles at the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command, including serving as Senior Air Commander in Iraq.

"Winning the MacArthur Award is really a testament to the teamwork that is at the heart of the Tar Heel Battalion. Everyone looks to take care of each other- whether that is pushing each other at PT, giving feedback to help someone grow, or being willing to listen when a cadet is having a rough day," said Oren Rosen, captain and assistant professor of military science. "As a cadre member, it is rewarding to see the hard work of our cadets pay off with this type of recognition. I could not be more proud of how much time and effort the cadets dedicate to improving themselves and their teammates."