Meet the Corps of Cadets leaders for fall
Each semester, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets selects new cadet leaders to maximize the opportunities for students to lead during the academic year.
These leaders make up the cadet chain of command and are responsible for the planning and operations of the corps every day. With about 1,300 cadets in the corps, running the regiment is no small task. The fall semester leadership was chosen at the end of the spring semester, and cadets will complete their command on Upper Quad as the spring 2025 semester begins.
The regimental commander is Cadet Carson Manternach from Brambleton, Virginia. A national security and foreign affairs major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and a senior in Army ROTC, Manternach is the highest-ranking cadet at Virginia Tech. The university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), inspired her to purse the position of regimental commander.
“I wanted to be able to give back to an organization that has provided so much for me. I have developed here more than I could have possibly imagined, and I’ve been given so many unique opportunities. It felt right to do something that allows me to be a part of that experience for others,” said Manternach.
The regimental executive officer is Cadet Alex Arriza from Chantilly, Virginia. A member of Army ROTC, he is majoring in national security and foreign affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. As the second-highest ranking cadet in the regiment, Arriza’s tasking as executive officer revolves around training, safety, and management of the regimental staff. Looking back at his time in the regiment, he credits the challenging environment for his personal growth over the last three years.
“If I could go back in time to give myself advice as a first-year cadet, I would say to embrace the hard moments. I know now that those moments gave me the most opportunity for growth, and I look back on them fondly,” said Arriza.
Battalion leadership
The cadet regiment is divided into four battalions, each with a battalion commander who is responsible for the training and operations of the roughly 320 cadets in their battalion.
The 1st Battalion commander is Cadet Graham Hudson from Blacksburga. A senior in Army ROTC, Hudson is majoring in polymer chemistry in the College of Science.
Inspired by the definition of Ut Prosim, Hudson said, “Leadership is not about the leader; it is about those who are being led. A leader who seeks to serve their subordinates generates a cohesive team and establishes a positive leadership environment. It is the responsibility of a leader to support their subordinate leaders and provide them with the mentorship and resources they need to succeed.”
The 2nd Battalion commander is Cadet Kayleigh Bartholf from Virginia Beach. A member of Air Force ROTC, Bartholf is majoring in biological sciences in the College of Science, and her goal as a battalion commander is to create a culture of growth amongst her cadets.
“In my battalion, I want to ensure we have an environment of unity where cadets feel empowered to grow themselves and their peers to best prepare for their futures after Virginia Tech. I want to meet as many cadets as I can and build relationships that are long-lasting. As a student leader, I want to provide cadets with the resources they need to maintain their well-being and to keep on track to accomplish the goals they have set for themselves.”
The 3rd Battalion commander is Cadet Connor Christian from Fredericksburg. A public health major in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, he is a member of Army ROTC who leans on the tenant of service to help him lead.
“As a leader, it can be difficult to make a decision. That's when I look to the university motto, Ut Prosim, and recognize that it is my job to ensure that my people are being cared for. As a leader in the corps, I try to serve not only those who rely on me, but the community as a whole,” said Christian.
The 4th Battalion commander is Cadet Tim Hipskind from Seneca, South Carolina. A member of Army ROTC, he is a political science major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences who seeks to embody Ut Prosim in his leadership and everyday activities.
“Service lays the foundation for all that we do as leaders. A willingness to serve others requires a commitment to something bigger than yourself. Service does not end after the military, but rather is a lifelong pursuit. Approaching each day with the mindset of 'how can I serve others today?' has allowed me to always remain humble, and readily available to work hard,” said Hipskind.
