Andrew Herndon: DBU's First Battalion Commander in UTA's ROTC Program

At the intersection of faith, service, and leadership stands Andrew Herndon—a trailblazer for DBU and the newly appointed Battalion Commander in the University of Texas at Arlington's ROTC program, which DBU ROTC students participate in. With grit forged in military training and character shaped by Christ-centered mentorship, Andrew's journey is one of purpose and quiet strength.

Andrew is making history as the first Dallas Baptist University student to serve in this prestigious role. As Battalion Commander, he holds the highest cadet position, responsible for overseeing the training and development of the entire battalion. It's a role requiring not just military acumen, but vision, discipline, and heart.

"My role is to ensure that all training is being carried out at a level that will help the most people succeed," Andrew shared. "The goal of ROTC is to prepare college students for leading in the United States military."

This leadership comes to life in preparation for Cadet Summer Training—a pivotal assessment for Army-bound juniors and seniors that shapes their future military roles and national rankings. Andrew's mission is clear: to prepare every cadet for excellence. "My staff carries out that vision and makes it happen to the best of our ability under the Cadre's supervision," he explained.

Becoming Battalion Commander wasn't just about titles—it was a testament to Andrew's character, consistency, and calling. Over the semester, he expressed his interest to ROTC seniors and engaged in numerous conversations about the future of the battalion. After thoughtful consideration, it was decided that Andrew was the right leader to take the reins.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in biblical truth. "My time at DBU has helped me because I've learned what it means to be a good leader—like how Christ modeled for us in John 13."

Andrew's journey toward ROTC leadership began well before his appointment. In 2023, he enlisted in the National Guard and shipped out to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Infantry OSUT. There, amid the intensity of military life, Andrew developed skills that would shape him both as a soldier and as a man. Returning home that December, he brought with him a renewed sense of purpose and discipline.

"The experience at Fort Benning taught me what it truly means to be a soldier," he reflected. "It changed the way I approach everything."

Today, Andrew balances rigorous ROTC responsibilities with his academic life. Though all training takes place on UTA's campus, he has mastered the art of time management. Yet, it's not just the structure that keeps him going—it's the people.

"I have been so blessed by all the people I've gotten to meet," Andrew said. "I've built deep friendships that have shaped my life."

Among his most meaningful relationships are fellow cadets Elijah Flood, Dub Shumake, and Joshua Stiftinger—brothers-in-arms who push him closer to Christ. He also points to Chief Havens, his mentor through the DBU mentorship program, as a pivotal figure in his personal and spiritual growth.

As he looks to the fall semester, Andrew is focused on instilling a competitive mindset among the cadets. His guiding mantra: "Winning matters."

"I had given this a lot of thought, and the one thing that kept coming back to me was the phrase ‘winning matters.' Winning every day on a personal level means getting better every single day."

For Andrew, leadership isn't about glory—it's about growth. His advice for fellow DBU students considering ROTC or military service? Stay motivated. "It might sound cliché, but it's the most relevant advice I can give."

Andrew Herndon's story is one of faith-fueled ambition, servant-hearted leadership, and unshakable resolve. As he steps into his historic role, he does so with a vision larger than himself—shaping future leaders while staying grounded in the calling that brought him here.