NGCSU announces new professor of military science

DAHLONEGA - Col. Todd P. Wilson has been selected as the new professor of military science at North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU).

Wilson replaces the retiring Col. Michael Pyott in the position, which also serves as head of the Department of Military Science. As an active duty assignment, candidates for the position of professor of military science are nominated by the U.S. Army; the president of a college or university then has the right to accept or reject a nominee.

"I welcome Col. Todd Wilson to North Georgia and look forward to his leadership in this critical role," President Bonita Jacobs said. "North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States, and the Corps of Cadets is an integral part of this university. COL Wilson will continue to build upon North Georgia's strong reputation for developing outstanding military officers."

Wilson currently serves as deputy commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Knox, Ky. He reports to NGCSU for official duty on June 25.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as the professor of military science for North Georgia. It's a prestigious school that has an exceptionally strong reputation for commissioning only the highest caliber of officers," Wilson said. "The future for the Army is bright and it's going to take exceptional leadership to help carry the torch on into the next fight. North Georgia has a proud tradition of doing just that and I look forward to sustaining the quality of cadets the university commissions."

Wilson graduated from Purdue University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in history and received a regular Army infantry commission. He earned a Master of Science degree in Defense Analysis from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., in 2001 and his thesis was selected as "Outstanding Thesis" by the school's Department of Defense Analysis.

Among his previous assignments is a stint at the U.S. Army Infantry School, where he served as company commander for the 4th Ranger Training Battalion and an instructor for the Infantry Officers Advance Course. He also has served as the Command and Control Warfighting Function Chief for Operations Group Delta at the Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Wilson said the opportunity to continue serving as a mentor and trainer to young soldiers drew him to North Georgia.

"The North Georgia assignment gives me the opportunity to transition cadets into commissioned officers. I wanted to remain working with young people because that's where I feel my best talents lie and it's definitely what I enjoy most," he said. "It was very fortunate timing that the position at North Georgia came open as I completing the combat tour with the brigade, and then I was fortunate enough to be selected."

Wilson has served two combat tours in Afghanistan, including one tour while assigned to the 25th Infantry Division and one tour while serving as deputy commanding officer for 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, his most recent assignment.

Wilson's military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Jumpmaster Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Bradley Commander's Course, Battalion Motor Officer Course, Total Army Instructor Trainer Course, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (five Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (six Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), National Defense Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, and the Overseas Ribbon (three). COL Wilson has also earned the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

He is married to the former Cassandra Lynn Koons of Rising Sun, Ind. The Wilsons have four children: Olivia, Cole, Caleb, and Clayton.