Last week, the UK Army ROTC program hosted its 2nd Annual Mentorship Breakfast. The inaugural event celebrated the launch of a new mentorship program within the battalion. The purpose of the program is threefold: ensure academic success for all cadets, develop the future leaders of the United States Army, and improve retention within the corps of cadets. With over 150 in attendance, the breakfast provides a unique opportunity to reach out to UK faculty, community leaders, ROTC alumni, and UK students in order to share leadership experiences, encourage professional discussion, and foster a commitment to life-long learning. This year we were fortunate to have Mr. Bob McDonald, President and CEO of Procter and Gamble, as our keynote speaker. Mr. McDonald delivered a challenging presentation entitled “Values-Based Leadership,” wherein he reviewed his unique leadership story and personal values. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, he challenged his audience to make the time to formulate their own internal values and cling to them during the impending “storms” of life, whether on the battlefields of America’s wars or in the boardrooms of its corporations.  Students and faculty alike seemed touched by his approachability and the relevance of his message.

Jason Cummins

LTC, U.S. Army

Professor of Military Science

University of Kentucky Army ROTC