Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) has responded to the U.S. Army’s decision to reverse its earlier plan to inactivate the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program at West Virginia State University (WVSU). The original announcement, made by the U.S. Army Cadet Command on June 27, 2025, was part of a national strategy to rebalance and optimize Senior ROTC programs, which included shutting down the Army ROTC host unit at WVSU.
Following feedback from community leaders and stakeholders, and after Congresswoman Miller raised her concerns with Army officials, she was informed on August 28, 2025 that the decision would be reversed. The ROTC program at WVSU will now continue as an extension unit.
“ROTC programs play a key role in addressing the recruiting crisis our military is currently facing as well as providing incredible opportunities for scholarships and financial benefits for young people. I am grateful that the U.S. Army Cadet Command has reversed their decision and the ROTC program at WVSU will be retained as an extension unit. Anyone hoping to serve the United States of America should have easy access to do so, and the continuation of this program will allow many of our young mountaineers here in southern West Virginia to receive a first-class education and prepare for a career in the armed services,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.
In previous efforts related to military training programs in West Virginia, Congresswoman Miller sent a letter during the last Congress to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall requesting that the Air Force JROTC program at Cabell Midland High School remain active after it faced closure. The program continued following her request. She also worked with Congressman Walz to increase funding for AFJROTC through the Defense Appropriations Bill.
Carol Miller has represented West Virginia’s 1st district in Congress since 2019, succeeding Evan Jenkins. Before serving in Congress, she was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 until 2018. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1950, Miller is currently based in Huntington and graduated from Columbia College in South Carolina with a BA degree in 1972.
