Lincoln University ROTC Commissions Three New Army Officers
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From left, Lincoln University President John Moseley stands with new Second Lieutenants Connor Schaefer, Christopher Parker and Mya Davis as they show off their commissioning certificates next to Lt. Col. J. Marc McQuilliams, professor of military science, on Friday, May 8, 2026 at MLK Hall in Jefferson City.
The U.S. Army has three newly minted officers in its ranks, courtesy of the Blue Tiger Battalion at Lincoln University of Missouri. The three ROTC cadets, all graduating seniors at Lincoln, were commissioned May 8 at Pawley Theatre in Martin Luther King Hall during commencement events last weekend.
Guest speaker Major Edward N. Chukukere Sr., a Lincoln University alumnus and Blue Tiger Battalion graduate, addresses newly commissioned officers during the ROTC commissioning ceremony.
Mya Davis, Christopher Parker and Connor Schaefer took the stage to recite the oath of office and receive the insignia of a second lieutenant, pinned to their uniforms by family members. Guest speaker Major Edward N. Chukukere Sr., a Blue Tiger Battalion alumnus and 2012 Lincoln graduate, addressed the new officers and encouraged them on their path to leadership. A veteran leader of specialized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear units, Chukukere urged the trio to become experts at their craft.
Mya Davis of Memphis, Tennessee, graduated with high honors from Lincoln with a B.S. in criminal justice. Lt. Davis will begin her military career as a finance officer in the Tennessee National Guard.
Christopher Parker of Stockbridge, Georgia, received his B.S. degree from Lincoln in computer information systems. Lt. Parker will serve in the Army on active duty as a medical service officer.
Connor Schaefer of Holts Summit, Missouri, earned a B.S. in criminal justice from Lincoln this year. Lt. Schaefer is headed to the Missouri National Guard to serve as a military police officer.
“It has been my distinct honor to serve with this group these past three years and watch them grow into the officers they are today,” says Lt. Col. J. Marc McQuilliams, military science professor and department head at Lincoln. “I am incredibly proud of the officers they will become.”
Originally established in 1950, Lincoln’s Reserve Officer Training Corps has expanded in scope and variety, joining a standardized program for the nation’s colleges in 1982. ROTC offers leadership and training opportunities along with field exercises and physical conditioning. Scholarships and other financial support are available in exchange for an eight-year service obligation.
The Blue Tiger Battalion has commissioned more than 380 second lieutenants in the past four decades and was recently named the Army National Guard ROTC Battalion of the Year.
For McQuilliams, this commissioning ceremony served as an occasion to bid farewell to the ROTC team at Lincoln. He will be moving to his next duty station at Rock Island, Illinois, this summer. “Leadership isn’t built alone,” he reminded the assembled officers and cadets. “It’s forged in a collective team struggle and shared victories. As Army officers, you will build teams, confidence and solutions in the most challenging environments, earning trust through your example, your integrity and your service.”