Utah State Agricultural College as the "West Point of the West": A Search for Exceptional Leadership
Date of Award
5-2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
History
First Advisor
Denise O. Conover
Second Advisor
David Rich Lewis
Third Advisor
Robert E. Parson
Abstract
This thesis explains the origins of the nickname "West Point of the West," referring to the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Utah State Agricultural College (USAC) from 1946-1950. The analysis centers on the leadership of two men central to the university's successful ROTC program, USAC President E.G. Peterson and Professor of Military Science Colonel E.W. Timberlake.
The history of military training on college campuses is examined in order to establish the context in which President Peterson developed the program at USAC. Peterson's efforts to support the war effort during World War I and World War II are described, including the opportunities his actions created for Colonel Timberlake upon his arrival in 1946. Timberlake's leadership role in expanding the corps of cadets from thirty-four to 2,200 cadets is described.
Recommended Citation
Bateman, Jeffery S., "Utah State Agricultural College as the "West Point of the West": A Search for Exceptional Leadership" (2005). History. 4.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_history/4
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