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Navy accepts UWF students into program
The University of West Florida is known for being a military-friendly school. In fact, UWF was named one of the country's top military-friendly schools by Military Advanced Education magazine this year. Living up to its name, UWF helps prepare certain students for successful careers in the Navy. Both Daniel Craig and Philip Nadenbousch, UWF engineering majors who attend classes at the University of Florida Research Engineering and Education Facility (REEF), located adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base in Shalimar, were recently accepted into the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program with the Navy.
The University of West Florida is known for being a military-friendly school. In fact, UWF was named one of the country's top military-friendly schools by Military Advanced Education magazine this year. Living up to its name, UWF helps prepare certain students for successful careers in the Navy. Both Daniel Craig and Philip Nadenbousch, UWF engineering majors who attend classes at the University of Florida Research Engineering and Education Facility (REEF), located adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base in Shalimar, were recently accepted into the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program with the Navy.
"The Navy gives preference to candidates who are in a technical program, such as math, science or engineering; some of the NUPOC programs actually require it," said Thomas Gilbar, electrical and computer engineering program coordinator for UWF Emerald Coast Campus. "Both Dan and Phil live and work near the UWF Emerald Coast Campus, so engineering at the REEF has helped them get into NUPOC."
The NUPOC program prepares candidates for professional positions with the Navy. If accepted into the program, candidates can take advantage of financial support of up to $150,000 and start receiving this funding up to 30 months prior to college graduation. Upon graduation, candidates can expect to move into a professional position with the Navy where they will receive further hands-on, formal training for becoming a navy officer in the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.
"This program has been a blessing," said Craig. "It has provided me with the chance to be a full-time student (in a demanding course of study) without the stress of maintaining a full-time job as well. The training and experience I will receive as a commissioned officer in the military will be beneficial throughout my career in engineering. In addition, the program is an opportunity for me to serve and protect my country and the rights we so often take for granted."
Navy recruiters rely on UWF and the REEF as a rich source of potential candidates. Detreick Saulsbury, a NUPOC recruiter for the Navy, recalls the recruitment process with Craig and Nadenbousch.
"Craig contacted me after receiving an e-mail and doing his research about this excellent opportunity," he said. "He has family in the Air Force and understands the advantages that the military offers. I was equally delighted to have the opportunity to work with Nadenbousch. I know that his education from UWF will help him excel in our Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program," said Saulsbury.
After being accepted into the program, Craig and Nadenbousch will be considered active duty Navy. This includes full pay and benefits. Their job right now is to simply study and complete their degree.
"Having committed to the Navy, and they to me, I will fulfill my obligation immediately after graduation," said Craig. "I will be sent to officers candidate school to earn a commission in the Navy. As a surface warfare officer, I will then be sent to the fleet. After learning how to manage the operations of a ship, I will be sent to nuclear power school to learn how to run the nuclear reactors that power the Navy's subs and aircraft carriers. From there, I will be sent to a carrier to oversee operations of the reactor."
To learn more about the NUPOC, visit www.navy.com/nuclear/program/. To learn more about the Engineering programs at UWF, visit uwf.edu/ece/about/ or contact Gilbar at (850) 833-9184 or e-mail tgilbar@uwf.edu.
Written by Lauren Smith, University Marketing Communications
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