Stephanie Rokes
Program Director, Professor of Military Science
Major (MAJ) Stephanie Rokes has served in the U.S. Army under the Oregon Army National Guard since 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southern Oregon University and Master of Arts in Education from Simpson University. She has a passion for mentoring and developing young officers through both effective and efficient leadership. Originally from Siskiyou County, she now calls the Rogue Valley home. Her tie to the southern Oregon community originates from over 12 years of service in the 1-186 Infantry Battalion to include a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2014-15. As a graduate of SOU and its ROTC program, her gratitude and passion runs deep for the development of future Army leaders at Southern Oregon University.
Phone: 541.552.6309
E-Mail: rokess@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? –
