Hollister High School announces the hiring of COL(Retired) Brian Bart to head up the school's new Army JROTC program in the 2024-2025 school year.

COL(R) Bart spent 34 years serving in the United States Army, retiring in July of 2023. He is a US Army War College graduate and a Veteran of Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair for Army ROTC at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK (2015-2018). He is a graduate of Hollister High School (1989), and College of the Ozarks (1995) and Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Engineer Branch.

Hollister High School Principal Dr. Jared Terry is excited to welcome COL (R) Bart and looks forward to starting the JROTC program. "As we welcome COL (R) Bart to spearhead our JROTC program, we're not just adding a program; we're enriching our students' lives with leadership, discipline, and invaluable life skills. COL (R) Bart's experience and dedication are perfect for guiding our students towards success," Dr. Terry shares.

COL(R) Bart shares that he is looking forward to getting the JROTC program started in the fall semester. His short-term goals for the program include in-class instruction with the Leadership Education & Training (LET1) classes in the fall semester, offering an Archery class, and developing a team that competes in local and regional Archery competitions. "The tentative fall schedule will be 3-4 introductory classes (LET1) with an archery class depending on student interest and final school approval," he says.
 
Long-term goals are on COL(R) Bart's radar as well. "I would like to grow the JROTC program with expanded opportunities to include air rifle and drone teams," he shares. "As the program expands we'll add a Command and Staff and Drone class. And we are looking to expand the program to include the 8th Grade at a later date."

COL(R) Bart and his wife of twenty-six years have one daughter. He is excited to be back as a Hollister Tiger.

The above press release is from Hollister Public Schools.