MSU Army ROTC to Unveil New Military History Exhibit
Morehead State University’s Army ROTC program will host a dedication and unveiling ceremony for a new military history exhibit on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the third-floor foyer of Button Auditorium. The event marks the completion of the first phase in an ongoing restoration project designed to honor MSU’s long-standing connection to the U.S. Armed Forces.
Over the past several months, MSU’s cadets and cadre have partnered with the Rowan County Veterans’ Museum and American Legion Post 126 to create a permanent exhibit. The project was made possible through local donations, volunteer work and collaboration with community partners.
The new exhibit highlights Morehead State’s military legacy dating back to World War II, when the campus hosted a Navy Technical School for Electricians known as the “Blue Jackets.” Following the war, Former MSU President Adron Doran sought to establish a military training program on campus, eventually securing an Army ROTC charter in 1968. The program commissioned its first class of officers in 1970 and has since produced numerous leaders in both the military and civilian sectors.
“They have done a tremendous job building the Rowan County Veterans' Museum from the ground up, and I asked them to bring their passion to our program's history,” said MAJ Adam Crawford, professor of military science. “They have designed and helped build the exhibit since the beginning of August and have donated or put on loan many of the artifacts that will be displayed.”
The exhibit features artifacts from both the Rowan County Veterans’ Museum and MSU’s own archives, offering a detailed look into the evolution of military education at the University. Guests at the unveiling will have the opportunity to explore the display during a reception following the brief ceremony.
“While the Foyer is the first step, we are developing plans to restore the third floor of Button to a place that fosters Leadership Development and Community within the Army ROTC program,” Crawford explained. “While this may be the only specifically dedicated ‘exhibit’ in the building, we want to create an atmosphere within the building that provides a living history and a path for the future.”
The unveiling marks the completion of Phase 1 of a larger multi-phase restoration effort. Future phases include renovations to the classroom space, Cadet Lounge and the Conference Room/Future Leadership Library. Plans for these upcoming projects will be briefly presented during the ceremony.
“We hope to highlight the accomplishments of our predecessors and create a sense of pride for this program,” Crawford added. “It has produced a great deal of general officers and leaders of great impact in the past 57 years, and they deserve to have their story told.”
The event is open to the public, and all community members, veterans, and alumni are encouraged to attend.
To learn more, contact the Department of Military Science at 606-783-2050 or email msurotc@moreheadstate.edu.
