Sgt. Jumaris Maduro, a religious affairs noncommissioned officer, will start classes at New Mexico State University in August under the U.S. Army’s Green to Gold Program, an initiative that allows active-duty enlisted soldiers to earn a bachelor's or master's degree and commission as an Army officer. She will end her active-duty enlistment just before she begins at NMSU.
“Sgt. Maduro earned a Green to Gold scholarship due to her proven record of performance, professionalism, and most of all character,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Campbell, NMSU assistant professor of military science. “The knowledge she has gained over six years of active service, and her experience as a non-commissioned officer will undoubtably help the cadets of the Bataan Battalion to better prepare for their future careers as U.S. Army officers.”
NMSU’s Army ROTC, known as the "Bataan Battalion," is a leadership program on the main Las Cruces campus. It offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Cadets participate in military and leadership training, leading to a guaranteed job as an officer upon graduation.
Maduro, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, joined the U.S. Army after high school.
“As a Religious Affairs NCO, I support our unit chaplain by helping care for the spiritual, emotional and morale needs of soldiers and their families,” Maduro said. “Whether it’s coordinating religious support, assisting with counseling, or simply being there to listen during difficult times, we’re there to help. We also support the military community by planning and coordinating events and programs that strengthen resilience and bring people together, serving not only soldiers but also Department of Defense civilians, retirees and their families. Above all, we strive to provide a safe, confidential space where people can find guidance, encouragement and support through both life’s challenges and successes.”
As a student, Maduro will complete NMSU’s ROTC while she earns her bachelor’s degree in psychology, thanks to the Green to Gold Program, which covers either full tuition or room and board. Maduro specifically received the Division Commander’s Hip Pocket Scholarship, a highly competitive scholarship nominated by the soldier’s commanding general.
“I really wanted to do this, and I believe this is my calling,” Maduro said. “I’m extremely thankful to my leadership, Chaplain Lt. Col. Scott G. Kennis and Garrison Commander Col. Don Mozer. They were extremely helpful throughout the process.”
“Our mission at the NMSU Army ROTC Bataan Battalion is to educate, develop and inspire motivated students to become the next generation of U.S. Army commissioned officers,” Campbell said. “We emphasize the three ‘C's’: competence, defined by the ability to perform Army tasks to standard; character, reflected in a cadet's self-discipline and commitment to integrity; and care, or the ability to lead in a way that takes care of and inspires others. These qualities are essential in U.S. Army officers, but they are applicable to leadership in all aspects of life.”
Maduro’s long-term goal is to become a social worker. Earning her degree in psychology at NMSU is a step toward that goal. She already has earned 63 hours that will be credited toward her bachelor’s degree and plans to graduate in 2028.
“I just love this place,” Maduro said. “I feel so welcome here. It's just so warm – the desert, the mountains. I just feel like home here. I want to complete my school here and be able to say I graduated from New Mexico State.”
After spending six years in military service, Maduro is eager to share her active-duty experiences in the U.S. Army with her fellow cadets.
“I’m super excited and looking forward to this opportunity I was granted,” Maduro said. “I literally just see it as living in my prayers. I always saw myself going back to school and becoming a leader.”
Campbell emphasized Maduro's journey through active duty to a Green to Gold scholarship is just one of many ways that existing and prospective NMSU students can join Army ROTC. Those who are interested should email armyrotc@nmsu.edu, call 575-646-4030 or stop by NMSU ROTC offices at Young Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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CUTLINE: Sgt. Jumaris Maduro, a religious affairs NCO, will join New Mexico State University’s ROTC Battan Battalion this fall to pursue a degree in psychology under a prestigious U.S. Army scholarship. (NMSU photo)