From Connersville, Indiana, to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and back home again, Colonel (Ret.) Kelly Rosenberger’s journey is one defined by service, leadership, and the lasting impact of Ball State University’s ROTC program.

Kelly never imagined the trajectory his life would take when he arrived on Ball State’s campus. But once immersed in the University’s academic environment and ROTC program, his path became clear.

“I had great instructors there, and they really helped me decide that I wanted to be in the Army,” Kelly said. “It’s probably one of the best decisions I made.” 

Through Ball State’s ROTC program, Kelly attended Airborne School and quickly became part of a high-performing cohort of future officers. The program’s strength was evident not only in training but in outcomes.

“We had a really great group of officers that came out of our program,” he said. “I think we now have three Colonels, which is a big deal, because only about five percent of officers ever reach that rank.”

Yet for Kelly, leadership was never about rank.

“Leadership is about building trust and influencing others toward a common purpose,” he said. “You can be a manager without being a leader.” 

Forged in Friendship

One of the most meaningful outcomes of Kelly’s Ball State experience was the lifelong relationships it created, especially his friendship with fellow graduate Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Charles (Chuck) Randolph.

“Our lives are intertwined,” Kelly said. “We started in the same National Guard unit.”

What began as shared drill weekends, sometimes sleeping on Kelly’s parents’ floor, became a bond that endured deployments, distance, and decades of service. While Chuck earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan and Kelly led Soldiers training Iraqi police in Sadr City, their connection never wavered.

To this day, Kelly describes Chuck simply as his “ride or die.”

A Career of Service and a Return Home 

Kelly’s military career spanned influential leadership roles, including serving as a Provincial Police Transition Team Chief and later as Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Indiana National Guard, a position he held for more than four years.

Then came an unexpected phone call.

“We need a Professor of Military Science at Ball State,” said Major General (Ret.) Martin Umbarger. “We want to send you home.”

Returning to Muncie was a full-circle moment and one of the most significant leadership roles of Kelly’s career. As Professor of Military Science, he focused on strengthening the program that had shaped him. After noticing first-year students struggling academically, he implemented mandatory study tables to better support Cadet success.

Kelly personally managed $2.3 million in scholarship funds while overseeing program operations, personnel, and logistics. To encourage academic excellence, he awarded $1,000 scholarships each semester to the top 10 Cadets by GPA, reinforcing the idea that leadership and scholarship go hand in hand.

Under his leadership, Ball State’s ROTC program earned recognition as one of the strongest Army ROTC programs in Indiana. As the University grew, the program became a host unit supporting multiple institutions statewide and played a role in developing international initiatives, including a Cultural Understanding and Language Program mission to Burkina Faso, Africa.

“Going back to Ball State was one of the biggest jobs I’ve ever had,” Kelly said. “I never thought I’d go back, but I’m grateful I did.”

Leadership Beyond Ball State

After his tenure at Ball State, Kelly continued applying the leadership skills shaped by ROTC and higher education across the globe. He spent three years as a Senior Program Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, followed by two years in Washington, D.C., as Associate Dean of Administration and Program Manager at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies. 

His career later took him to Houston with Primary Arms LLC and, most recently, to Alexandria, Virginia, where he now serves as Executive Vice President for Government Business at Enginuity Power Systems.

A Legacy That Lives On

For Kelly, the most meaningful part of his career has always been mentorship.

“You always talk to your Soldiers, not at them,” he said. “We serve together.”

That philosophy lives on through today’s Cadets, including Andrew Smith, a junior majoring in Construction Management and minoring in Business Administration and Military Science.

“ROTC has taught me responsibility, accountability, determination, and integrity,” Smith said. “I’ve met people, from Cadre to fellow Cadets, who push me to be better every day.”

Now a junior leader, Smith teaches labs, mentors younger Cadets, and balances early-morning physical training with a demanding academic schedule. His view of leadership mirrors Kelly’s own.

“A true leader doesn’t just tell others what to do,” Smith said. “They inspire others to want to do it.”

Smith hopes to branch into Aviation and one day fly the UH-60 Black Hawk for the National Guard—continuing the tradition of service Ball State instills.

From Kelly Rosenberger to Andrew Smith, Ball State’s ROTC program continues to develop leaders grounded in humility, resilience, and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, Kelly offers simple advice shaped by decades of service: 

“Don’t give up. It’s only going to make you stronger. Put your ruck on, stand up, and always move forward.”

Since 1918, Ball State’s ROTC program has thrived through dedicated students and the support of enthusiastic alumni and donors. If you are interested in making a lasting impact on future leaders, consider making a gift today at bsu.edu/give and search for ‘Military Science/ROTC or Fund #031030.’