The Association of NROTC Colleges and Universities was formed shortly after the end of World War II.
Dr. Frederic L. Hovde, then President of Purdue University, took the lead in forming the Association, whose goal would be “to encourage the exchange of information and opinion between member institutions, and between these institutions and the United States Navy, looking toward the greatest possible success in the operation of the NROTC program”. This remains the goal of the Association to this day. The first meeting of the Association was held in Chicago on September 28, 1946. A first constitution was approved in 1950.
Over the years, the Association has engaged in productive discussions with NSTC over a wide range of issues, including, whether Midshipmen should be permitted to marry; amount provided for scholarship recipients; the level of stipend support provided to Midshipmen; qualifications for appointment of Navy and Marine officers to faculty rank; viability formulae (to determine whether units should be continued); free choice of majors vs. requirement that some Midshipmen pursue technical majors; formation of consortia; efforts to increase enrollment of under-represented minorities in the program, etc.
Following receipt of a report from the Association’s Nominating Committee, a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer are elected by the membership for two-year terms. The Executive Committee consists of the officers, plus the representatives of fourteen institutions, who serve four-year terms.
The Executive Committee makes recommendations regarding the work of the Association, including budget, meeting venues, and arrangements with the professional staff who serves the Association.