Anthony Hess
Program Director, Professor of Military Science
Captain (CPT) Anthony Hess began his military career in 2012 when he enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard. A year later, he became a contracted Cadet at Southern Oregon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and was commissioned as an Officer in 2016. Following commissioning, CPT Hess served as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for A CO, 1-186 IN (Medford), deploying to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2019–2020). Upon returning, he assumed command of the company from 2020 to 2023, leading it through a Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation in 2022. In late 2022, CPT Hess transferred to 1-82 CAV in Bend, OR, where he served full-time as the Personnel Readiness Officer. He later returned to his alma mater as the ROTC Program Manager. Outside of his military career, CPT Hess has worked as a job coach, firefighter-EMT, and nurse recruiter. He enjoys hunting, mountain biking, and spending time with his family.
Phone: 541.552.6309
E-Mail: hessa@sou.edu
Morgan Ulu
Military Science Instructor
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Morgan Ulu enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard in 2019 with the 1-186 Infantry Battalion in Ashland, OR. In 2023, Morgan received her commission here at SOU’s Army program ROTC as an Aviation Officer. Morgan is assigned to the 1-189 Aviation Battalion in Salem, this unit focuses on MEDEVAC operations and fire control during fire seasons. Morgan earned her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science & Policy with a minor in Military Science and a certificate in Sustainability Leadership. Morgan recently returned from flight school at the U.S Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama, specializing in UH-72 Lakota and the UH-60M Black Hawk. Originally from American Samoa, 2LT Ulu has proud ties to the villages of Fagatogo and Leone. Morgan is dedicated to serving in the Armed Forces, giving back to the state of Oregon, and pouring back into the cup that has filled hers! She is a compassionate leader, ready to stand in the gap and determined to foster the next leaders of our nation. Fly Army and Raiders Kill!
Phone: 541.552.6365
E-Mail: ulum@sou.edu
Hailee Newsom
Human Resources
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Hailee Newsom enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard in 2021 with 1-186 Infantry Battalion in Ashland, OR. In 2023 Hailee commissioned as an Ordnance Officer and was assigned to the 2-162 Infantry Battalion as a Maintenance Control Officer. She is a graduate of SOU, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology, and an alum of the SOU ROTC Raider Company. Before joining the Army, she worked with At-Risk Foster youth for 7.5 years in Southern California where she found a passion for helping those in need. During that time, she also received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Behavior Sciences. She felt a calling to serve our country and community and decided she could make the biggest impact by leading as an Officer. Her goals are to help soldiers to the best of her abilities, mentor, gain expertise in connecting soldiers to resources, and leave a lasting impact. 2LT Newsom is currently deployed with 1-186 Infantry to the Sinai Peninsula.
Phone: 541.552.6309
E-Mail: newsomh@sou.edu
Benjamin Zomerdyk
Military Instructor / Recruiter
Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ben Zomerdyk has proudly served in the Army National Guard since 2011. As a native of Southern Oregon, SFC Zomerdyk started his service with with A Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion in Medford, where he established himself as a dedicated and skilled Soldier. SFC Zomerdyk deployed to Afghanistan in 2014–2015 in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS). SFC Zomerdyk is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sniper School and served as a sniper team leader, demonstrating exceptional leadership and marksmanship skills. In 2019, after a career with the Bureau of Land Management, Ben came to work full-time for the Army taking on the critical mission of recruiting to help to shape the future of the Oregon Army National Guard. For 5 years, SFC Zomerdyk served as the primary Military Science Instructor at North Medford High School, mentoring and developing young leaders through the school’s military science program. SFC Zomerdyk’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and excellence—both on the battlefield and in the classroom.
Phone: 541.224.1707
E-Mail: zomerdykb@sou.edu
Recruiting / Career Counsel / 100% College Tuition Assistance
ROTC Talent Acquisition Manager / Recruiter
SFC Benjamin Zomerdyk
Phone (call or text): 541.224.1707
Email: benjamin.p.zomerdyk.mil@army.mil, zomerdykb@sou.edu
Office Location: Central Hall 035
Contact the Military Science Program
Army ROTC / Military Science Department
Central Hall – Basement Floor
1275 Ashland St
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541.552.6309
– Questions About Military Science? –
