May 12, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
For members of University of Missouri ROTC programs, involvement at Mizzou means early morning drills, learning basic infantry tactics and sharpening leadership skills for today’s military.
Now, graduating seniors in Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC and Navy ROTC will transition from cadets and midshipmen to commissioned officers ready to serve.
Meet three Tigers who will be commissioned this weekend as part of commencement ceremonies.
KATIE VLAMING
AIR FORCE ROTC
Major: Biological engineering with minors in mathematics and aerospace studies; College of Engineering
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
What inspired you to join Air Force ROTC at Mizzou?
I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to serve in the military. My dad serves in the Navy, and some of my favorite memories growing up were visiting museums on base and building model aircraft together. He’s also a Mizzou alum, so I grew up in a proud Mizzou household. During my senior year of high school, I discovered Air Force ROTC and decided to apply. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to commission into the U.S. Space Force through AFROTC, which ultimately set me on my current path.
How has your time at Mizzou prepared you for the responsibilities you’ll face as a commissioned officer?
Mizzou and AFROTC have challenged me to grow both academically and personally. Balancing a rigorous engineering degree with ROTC commitments taught me strong time management and discipline. I’ve had countless opportunities to lead, step outside my comfort zone, and learn from both successes and failures. The support from professors and ROTC cadre has been key to developing my confidence and leadership style.
I’ve also learned how to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication skills. Whether through my ROTC peers or my roommates who are journalism students, I’ve built a network that has shaped who I am today. Most importantly, Mizzou instilled in me a growth mindset that encourages me to stay humble, adapt and keep moving forward.
What are your future plans (military and/or beyond)?
My next step is attending Officer Training Course at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After completing training, I will be assigned a Space Force Specialty Code and move to my first duty station. While I don’t know my exact assignment yet, I’m hoping to work in Space Operations, ideally within an electromagnetic warfare squadron at Peterson.
What advice would you give incoming Mizzou students thinking about AFROTC?
You never really know if something is right for you until you try it. AFROTC builds leadership skills, discipline and a strong sense of community beyond the military service aspect. As an out-of-state student, it gave me a second home at Mizzou, which meant a lot. There’s also no service commitment during your first year, so there’s nothing to lose by giving it a shot. If it’s not for you, that’s completely OK, but you might be surprised by how much you gain from the experience!
VANCE LEAR
ARMY ROTC
Major: Parks, recreation, sport and tourism with emphasis in sport management; College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Hometown: Wildwood, Missouri
What inspired you to join Army ROTC at Mizzou?
I was first inspired to join Army ROTC because of my father and his service. Before coming to Mizzou, I had already enlisted in the National Guard, and he helped me see the opportunities and benefits of becoming an officer in the Army. I also knew I wanted to transition to active duty, and ROTC seemed like the most streamlined path to make that happen.
How has your time at Mizzou prepared you for the responsibilities you’ll face as a commissioned officer?
The greatest area of growth has been in my decision-making. Over the past four years, I have faced challenges that pushed me to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, especially when it came to academics, leadership and personal discipline. Mizzou has also helped me become much more confident in communicating with professionals, professors and peers. I was not always a people person, but learning how to communicate effectively and build strong relationships is something that will help me tremendously as an officer leading soldiers.
What are your future plans (military and/or beyond)?
My plan is to continue my career in the military and serve as long as I am able. I have been told that while it is good to have long-term goals, it is even more important to focus on being the best possible leader in the position you are in now and in the one you are about to enter. That mindset is something I want to carry with me throughout my career. If my military career ends earlier than expected, I would love to return to the sports industry in some capacity. This past semester, I completed my capstone internship with Mizzou Athletics Academics in the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex, and that experience showed me that I have a real passion for working in academics.
What advice would you give incoming Mizzou students thinking about Army ROTC?
If you say you want to be part of this program, you need to be ready to prove it through your effort and commitment. Army ROTC will give you time to decide if it is the right path for you, but you only get out of it what you put into it. The program will challenge you, but it will also help you grow in ways you may not expect. At the same time, it is one of the best groups of people you can surround yourself with. If you are looking for a team of like-minded people who work hard, have fun and become some of your closest friends, Army ROTC at Mizzou is a great place to be.
ANNA HIPPLE
NAVY ROTC
Major: Health sciences, College of Health Sciences
Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
What inspired you to join Navy ROTC at Mizzou?
I knew I was going to go into the military after high school, and the NROTC Scholarship gave me the opportunity to further my education at the college level. Mizzou is close to my cousins and not too far from home. It felt right.
How has your time at Mizzou prepared you for the responsibilities you’ll face as a commissioned officer?
I have faced many academic challenges over my years here at Mizzou that have pushed me to be a better student and leader. NROTC has provided me with leadership opportunities to prepare me for the future.
What are your future plans (military and/or beyond)?
After commissioning, I will be attending The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, starting in September. After that, I will go wherever the Navy and Marine Corps takes me.
What advice would you give incoming Mizzou students thinking about Navy ROTC?
Mizzou NROTC is one of the premier Midwest NROTC units. We are on the smaller side, but we hold ourselves to a high standard that helps us succeed. If you want a challenge and to be in an environment that will push you, Mizzou's exceptional staff will ensure you get the training you want.
Commissioning ceremonies
Mizzou’s Air Force ROTC and Naval ROTC will have a joint commissioning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Jesse Auditorium. Army ROTC will host its ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, in Monsanto Auditorium at Bond Life Sciences Center.
