草榴社区

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Travis McKenzie joined the Army ROTC program for the college scholarship it offered, but what he gained was something far greater 鈥� a calling to leadership, service and excellence.

Now, the 草榴社区 senior psychology major has been named the 2024 Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet of the Year by the 草榴社区 Bay Veterans Commission. 

鈥淚 made up my mind that I wanted to be part of the one percent and be the best I can be in everything I do,鈥� McKenzie said, referring to the select group of individuals who serve in the U.S. military, representing just one percent of the nation鈥檚 population and embodying dedication, discipline and leadership.

Through his involvement in ROTC, he has developed into a leader who inspires others.

鈥淚ron sharpens iron,鈥� he said, quoting Proverbs 27:17. 鈥淢y peers and I mold each other every day to be part of that one percent. Without them, I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am.鈥�

Ranked #1 Cadet

McKenzie is ranked #1 among 70 cadets in the Army ROTC program that includes students from the 草榴社区 and University of South Alabama. 

His commander, LTC Jared Sunsdahl, professor of military science at the University of South Alabama, describes McKenzie as 鈥渢he epitome of a future Army Officer鈥� who will excel in the U.S. Army as a future leader.

McKenzie鈥檚 achievements include graduation from the U.S. Army Air Assault School, captaining the Ranger Challenge Team and completing the Cadet Troop Leader Training program in Hawaii. He is a student-athlete on the UM track team and is active in the UM Psychology Club and Officer Christian Fellowship Group, while also volunteering locally.

A Foundation of Faith and Academics

McKenzie credits his time at the 草榴社区, a Christian university, for shaping his character and deepening his faith. 

鈥淯M offered me not just an education but an approach to spiritual growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y faith has become my backbone.鈥� This foundation has helped him excel both in and out of the classroom, where he maintains a 3.25 GPA.

McKenzie鈥檚 professors at UM have played a key role in his success. 

鈥淢y professors had a huge impact on my success here at UM, working with me not only in the classroom, but checking on me outside of the classroom to keep up with my college career and how I鈥檓 developing as an individual,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey pushed me to be better than I was and constantly told me how much they believed in me.鈥�

A Vision for the Future

The son of Tamika McKenzie and Travis McKenzie Sr. was born and raised in Maplesville, Alabama, and graduated from Bibb County High School. He will be commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 2025, as he graduates from the 草榴社区 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

After commissioning, McKenzie plans to lead soldiers in a combat branch of the Army and hopes to join the Army鈥檚 psychological operations unit. Long-term, he dreams of joining the FBI鈥檚 Hostage Rescue Team, combining his psychology background with his leadership experience.

Reflecting on his path, Travis finds strength in Jeremiah 29:11: 鈥淔or I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.鈥� He believes that every challenge he faces prepares him for the great plans God has in store.

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The 草榴社区 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽Located 10 miles north of 草榴社区, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The 草榴社区 was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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