Lt. Col. Michael W. Loftis has been named professor of Military Science in the Department of Military Science and the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Arkansas State University. The Arkansas National Guard makes the recommendation to the U.S. Army Cadet Command, who makes the appointment.

A full-time member of the National Guard for 23 years, Loftis most recently served as operations officer for Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. The Fayetteville native served as an administrative officer for the 875^th Engineer Battalion of the National Guard at ASU from 1989-1990.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and his master’s degree in business operations management from the University of Arkansas.

During his three-year tour of duty at ASU, Loftis will instruct senior level cadets and manage the military science program. Loftis said recruitment, training and commissioning of lieutenants is one of his primary goals while serving at ASU.

"Right now the military is drastically short on lieutenants. My challenge is to commission more lieutenants for the Army and Reserve through the ROTC program."

Approximately 12 lieutenants graduate from the ASU Military Science program annually, and Loftis said he would like to see the number increase.

There are 270 ROTC Battalions at college campuses nationwide. Arkansas State University is home to one of three programs in Arkansas.

Loftis succeeds Lt. Col. Barney Smith who was killed in July in Stuttgart. Maj. Daniel Tiscareno, assistant professor of military science, has served as interim professor of military science since Smith’s death.

Loftis, who served with Smith in Reserve exercises said, "I have to give a lot of credit to the staff here at ASU. They have done a really good job, especially Major Tiscareno. They have worked hard during a difficult time to keep things going and make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s an excellent program and I look forward to my service here."

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