Courtney-Marie Laureys
While many University of Mississippi engineering students balance their academics with membership in an organization or two, undergraduates such as Courtney-Marie Laureys manage a full academic load with participation in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program.
A junior civil engineering major from Pineville, La., Laureys applied for an NROTC scholarship as a high school student due to her family’s close ties to the military and the potential for career success upon graduation.
“My father was in the Navy for 20 years, and numerous family members have been in each of the branches of the military,” Laureys said. “In order to carry on the family tradition, ROTC seemed like the perfect choice.”
Laureys said she is not worried about finding work once she graduates. “I have a guaranteed job as an officer in the Navy.”
Her college experience differs from students who directly enter the military or one of the service academies. She finds time management very important in balancing her role as a student with participating in NROTC. Laureys is appreciative of the support system that she has in place, particularly when 6 a.m. physical training is involved three times a week.
“Since I have an NROTC scholarship, I treat it like it’s my job, and part of that job is to maintain my grades,” she said. “My advisers work with me to ensure that I complete my necessary coursework. The other midshipmen are always ready to help in stressful situations.”
Laureys encourages any students interested in ROTC programs to pursue the opportunity because it instills responsibility, time management and leadership, among other necessary skills.
Lt. Eric Reidelbach, assistant professor of naval science, said he has enjoyed worked with Laureys during her tenure in NROTC.
“She has continuously demonstrated superior levels of performance physically, academically and professionally during her time at Ole Miss,” he said. “Her efforts help set the benchmark for excellence within the unit and she is an invaluable member of our organization. I expect her to accomplish many great things during her naval career.”
Laureys has been a member of Chi Epsilon civil engineering honor society and the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is confident that the technical skills she has learned as a civil engineering student will aid her no matter what area she chooses to pursue.
Post-graduation, her plans are to commission as an ensign with an emphasis in Navy warfare communities: surface, submarine or aviation. Laureys said she also may pursue additional education in flight school or in nuclear power for submarines.