STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Cadet Carter McKay assumes the mantle of Texan Corps of Cadets commander at the organization’s change of command ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday, April 25 on the O.A. Grant Humanities Building green space on Tarleton State University’s Stephenville campus.
McKay, a junior marketing major from Granbury, takes over for Amber Trammell-Coburn, who has served in the role over the past year.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as the next Corps commander of the Texan Corps of Cadets,” said McKay. “This organization has provided so much for me and many others. Being appointed as Corps commander means that I can give back to the next generation of Texans.”
In all, four cadets were identified to fill leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets. In addition to McKay, Max Hoogenboom from Haslet will become deputy corps commander, William Baggett from Leander will be installed as operations officer and Peyton Russell from Fischer will join the leadership team as command sergeant major.
“The change of command ceremony is another defining moment for the Tarleton Corps of Cadets,” said Col. Douglas L. Simon, Commandant of Cadets and Dean of the College of Leadership and Military Studies. “The Corps is grateful for the tremendous leadership of Cadet Amber Trammell-Coburn as the outgoing Corps commander, but we are equally grateful that Cadet Carter McKay is ready to assume command.”
Cadets complete a rigorous selection process that consists of an application and an interview with a panel of peers and staff. All applicants are evaluated on academic performance, performance in the Corps, success in previous leadership positions, peer and staff evaluations, and their leadership vision for the future.
“Great leaders make great organizations,” said Col. Simon. “We have been fortunate to have been blessed with fantastic leaders like Cadets Trammell-Coburn and McKay.”
Established in 1917 when John Tarleton College became part of The Texas A&M System, the Texan Corps of Cadets went inactive in 1954 when male students were no longer required to be in the corps. In 1972, restrictions limiting full participation of women in ROTC were lifted, and the corps was reinstituted in 2016 as coed.
Change of Command attendees may park in lots P36 and P38 with a pass. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Campus Recreation Center.
