UVA Wise Celebrates New Cadets

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, UVA Wise contracted two new cadets in their Army ROTC program, bringing the total number of students in the UVA Wise ROTC program to 35.

UVA Wise ROTC Captain Juan M. Colon presided over the ceremony in Cantrell Banquet Hall.

“Today is a special occasion. You will bear witness to a ceremony that marks the journey of a civilian to an officer in the Army.  They have both worked very hard to get to this point. These two cadets will undergo a transformation that will not be easy. It will take time, commitment, discipline and years of training. They will learn how to talk, move and behave like soldiers. Most importantly, they will learn how to be a leader and officer in the US Army,” said Colon. “I ask you to continue to supporting and motivating your son and daughter without your support this process can be difficult.”

Several distinguished guests attended included family members and supporters and UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry.

Sophomore Patrick Hughes, of Franklin, Va., who is majoring in administrative justice, was contracted into the program. And, Olivia Padgett, a sophomore from Woodlawn, Va., seeking a degree in administrative justice, was also contracted. CDT Padgett is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Even though CDT Hughes got accepted into a larger institution, he chose UVA Wise. 

“I chose to come to Wise because it was the best option for me and my future,” he said. “I got accepted to a lot of schools, but Wise was the best fit for me and financially was the best option for me.”

A former member of the Highland Cavaliers football team, Hughes now plays intramural sports. In his spare time, he enjoys duck hunting, fishing, swimming and weight lifting.

Padgett selected UVA Wise because she can still be close to home but also far enough from her family’s residence to have a “sense of freedom.” She is a member of the ROTC Pershing Rifle Club, Valor Club and enjoys crocheting and watching true crime shows.

For more information on UVA Wise’s ROTC program, visit www.uvawise.edu/ROTC.