Naval Officer Nominated to Pacific Command Earned Master's at ODU

A graduate of the Batten College's master's degree program in engineering management has been recommended by President Barack Obama for appointment as commander of the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.

Adm. Robert F. Willard, a Los Angeles native, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973.

Willard completed his master's in Old Dominion University's Engineering Management program in July 2005, while he was Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Resit Unal, chair of the Engineering Management Department, said the accomplishment is proof of the value of the union between ODU and the Navy.

"The nationally ranked Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is designed for nuclear trained Naval officers who meet specific entrance requirements," Unal said.

"The flexibility provided by this asynchronous program enables nuclear-trained officers to complete their masters degrees at sea or ashore while meeting their very busy career schedules."

To date, more than 550 naval officers have received their MEM from ODU.