It was normal for Makenna Pardee to feel out of her comfort zone, as she described, when she first experienced the rigors of Air Force ROTC as a freshman at East Carolina University.
She came to ECU as an ROTC national scholarship winner from Williamsburg, Virginia. The honor associated with the national scholarship, in addition to support offered by ECU, reinforced her long-term commitment to being a Pirate.
“I committed to giving it a full effort during my freshman year, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Pardee, a nursing major on track to graduate in December. “Through the program, I not only met some of my closest friends and my fiancé, but I also grew tremendously as a person. ROTC has consistently challenged me, pushed me beyond my limits and helped me become a more confident, disciplined and well-rounded individual.”
Leina Reynolds, in uniform, talks to fellow cadet Alexander Eglevsky, left, about Army ROTC during a July orientation session. (Photos by Steven Mantilla)
ECU’s Air Force and Army ROTC units, which are part of the College of Health and Human Performance, have increased their success in bringing national scholarship winners to campus. Ranging from seniors Pardee and Andrew Dicuirci to incoming freshman Mason Ashley, Air Force ROTC has six national scholarship winners. Army ROTC has two new recipients — Anaya Cortezano and Alexander Eglevsky — bringing its total to eight current national scholarship students.
“It was like a moving on moment for me and a culmination of all my experiences into winning, and I can say, honestly, that was the proudest I’ve been of myself in a long time,” said Eglevsky, a Long Island, New York, native who considered enlisting in the Navy before instead applying for the ROTC national scholarship and choosing ECU.
National scholarship recipients can choose to attend any university with an ROTC program. Thanks to more than $30,000 in donor support and Pirate Nation Gives fundraising efforts during the past five years, ECU’s ROTC commanders are better equipped to recruit cadets to attend ECU by providing additional scholarship funds.
Dr. Betty Beacham, a retired ECU faculty member, has long supported students and the university’s military and veterans programs. She understands the importance of funding for ECU ROTC to be competitive in recruiting national awardees.
In 2023, Beacham pledged a new investment and established the ROTC Recruitment Scholarship Fund to help recruit and retain outstanding cadets.
“The scholarship programs at ECU give me the opportunity to make a long-term investment in ECU’s mission of service to our region and state, and in our students’education, skills and ingenuity,” Beacham said. “Being awarded a scholarship is a mark of distinction, showcasing a student’s talents, hard work and dedication. This recognition can inspire students to persevere through challenges and stay focused on their goals.”
Donor support of all levels contributes to the overall experience ECU offers to its Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC students. Lt. Col. Scott Nusom, professor of military science who oversees the Army ROTC unit, said the timing of the ROTC Recruitment Scholarship Fund is instrumental for cadets.
“It provides a financial incentive to first-year Army ROTC cadets who are awarded three-year Advanced Designee ROTC National Scholarships, which are awards that begin covering tuition and fees or room and board in a student’s sophomore year,” Nusom said. “By helping offset the cost of attendance during the freshman year, the HHP scholarship reflects ECU’s broader commitment — alongside HHP, the ROTC programs and alumni — to supporting cadet success from the day they step foot on campus.”
Alexander Eglevsky is a national scholarship winner who joined Army ROTC this semester.
Beacham said her 50-year career as an educator in eastern North Carolina has provided firsthand knowledge of the importance of quality educational institutions and support systems in preparing students for success.
“Students who make a commitment to serve our country and our communities should be recognized and honored,” Beacham said. “It gives me great pleasure to financially support talented students who have chosen the military as a career path. In this small way, I can help as they pursue a quality education at ECU, an education that includes an academic degree and leadership development to become military officers.”
Summer orientation sessions provided opportunities for incoming students to talk to and learn from current cadets and ROTC staff.
Ashley attended orientation in June and will soon balance Air Force ROTC duties with majoring in biochemistry. Ashley comes to ECU from nearby Washington already with a strong sense of appreciation.
“I worked so hard to get to where I am, and I cannot thank everyone enough,” Ashley said. “Without this scholarship, going to school would not be a possibility for me, but because I was given this opportunity, I can strive for my dreams. Being away from home in a new environment, a new school, new classes, it is very daunting; however, I cannot help but smile because I am excited and feel ready to be a Pirate.”
Pardee views scholarship support as an ongoing boost.
“This scholarship has had a tremendous impact on both my academic journey and my future career,” Pardee said. “It has relieved financial stress, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and leadership development. I’m truly grateful every day for the opportunities it has provided and the doors it continues to open for me.”
Mackenzie Reed, a business administration major and Army ROTC cadet, has family members who are ECU alums. She followed their lead and came to ECU from Fayetteville after earning national scholarship recognition.
“ROTC has helped me build a close-knit group of friends that I consider family now,” Reed said. “I have also been able to stay very healthy and fit due to the physical fitness standards. I am very thankful and beyond grateful for the scholarship I was awarded. It has been a major help in paying for school.”
