[228] As awards attest, academics rank high with MTSU military science

MURFREESBORO — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joel Miller made a special effort to tell the cadets attending the MTSU military science program’s fall awards event about the 3.8 grade-point average belonging to Timothy Chitpanya, one of their peers.

Chitpanya, an MTSU junior from Nashville, earned his high GPA in the spring 2014 semester. It was tops among all the cadets recognized during the military science fall awards ceremony Nov. 20 in Keathley University Center Theater.

To watch video from the awards ceremony, visit http://youtu.be/coEE-QDAsoY.

“The need to maintain a high GPA demonstrates that intellect is important if they want to be an Army officer,” Miller said.

Several dozen cadets were recognized not only for their academic prowess, but also athletic (physical fitness), leadership and service.

Chitpanya received a ribbon and firm handshake from Miller for earning the Professor of Military Science Academic Award. The cadet is majoring in chemistry, not the easiest subject to master.

"It takes a lot of time, but it's really easy for me because I have a passion for chemistry," Chitpanya said. "I love problem-solving and chemistry is all problem-solving."

Ten cadets recorded GPAs of 3.5 or higher last spring.

In addition to Chitpanya, they included Curtis Crossman, Reed Honken, Nicholas Hruschak, Allison Judkins, Jimmy Norvell, Bryan Roy, Kyle Wix, Jon Wright and Andrew Brown.

MTSU’s Ranger Challenge team participated in the Bold Warrior Challenge, performing well in all physical events. Master Sgt. John Bright coached the team.

Bold Warrior Challenge awardees included Curtis Corazao, Thomas Duncan, Somalia Ford, Samuel Howell, Paul Moret, Judkins, Roy, Kyle Wolfenbarger and Wright.

Sophomore Jake West and junior Ethan Hester each received the Warrior Spirit Award, a one-time $1,000 gift to one basic course cadet and one advanced course cadet without regard for either GPA or Army physical fitness test. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Steve Daugherty, a military science faculty member, funded the awards, Miller said.

West and Hester were selected by their peers for their selflessness, responsibility, volunteerism, initiative, confidence, pride in self and organization and ability to lead by example.

Four senior cadets learned they will be active duty into various branches of the Army after commissioning and graduation.

Thirteen cadets will go into various branches of the Army National Guard or reserves following commissioning and graduation.

Military science is one of 11 departments in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. For more information, call 615-898-2470 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/arotc1/.