UNC School of Nursing announces new Assured Admission program for military-affiliated students

The UNC School of Nursing is proud to announce a new program for military-affiliated students that will expand Assured Admission opportunities for highly qualified ROTC Nurse Corps Midshipman and Cadets to earn their BSN degrees while preparing for military service.

Beginning next year, the School will provide up to 15 students per admission cycle with direct entry into the BSN Military Pathway while maintaining the academic standards that are essential to success in the nursing curriculum. As with all Assured Admissions students, participants must be admitted through UNC Undergraduate Admissions and meet the established academic requirements to ensure they are well prepared for success in the nursing curriculum.

The program will offer an allocation of 15 total seats with five seats designated for each of the three participating branches: Army, Navy and Air Force.

Dean Valerie Howard said this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the pathway for talented ROTC Nurse Corps Midshipmen and Cadets who are preparing to serve as military nurses.

“I am especially grateful to the many colleagues across Carolina Nursing and our ROTC programs who have dedicated the past year to developing, refining and bringing this agreement to fruition,” said Dean Howard. “Their collaboration, persistence and commitment to this shared vision have been instrumental in making this opportunity possible. We are proud to partner in preparing highly qualified, service-minded nurses, and we look forward to welcoming future military nurses to Carolina Nursing.”

Kacy McAdoo, Assistant Dean in the Office of Student Affairs, said the program represents a “thread of service” between the ROTC and the School, and streamlines ROTC students’ pathways to serving as military nurses.

“This expanded position reflects the School’s commitment to collective well-being and responsible growth for the military-affiliated student population,” she said. “Not only will these students have the support of their ROTC units here on campus, but they will also become a part of our community from day one, so that the School of Nursing will become part of their support network,” she said.

“The Carolina ROTC units are proud to announce our partnership with the UNC School of Nursing. Our programs are seeking students who are willing to go above and beyond in the service of others. This new facet of the Assured Admissions pipeline will bring the next generation of courageous, committed, and compassionate leaders to Chapel Hill and the Nurse Corps,” said Captain Andrew Cain, chair of the Department of Naval Science at UNC.

Marlena ‘Lena’ Brokob, DNP, RN, was selected to serve as the School’s Military Pathways and Student Support Coordinator, effective August 1, 2026. In this role, Brokob will provide strategic leadership and dedicated support for military-affiliated students across all School programs to include active-duty service members, reservists and veterans.

Brokob will lead recruitment, admissions, academic advising, mentorship, and curriculum innovation for military pathway students, build partnerships with ROTC and organizations such as the U.S. Navy DUINS program, and guide the development of new pathways.

Brokob served nine years in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and leading training oversight and standardization efforts for more than 200 personnel in her final assignment within the Quality Assurance department. Following her own transition to civilian life as a transfer student in UNC’s Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (CSTEP), she helped reinvigorate the UNC Veterans student organization, represented student veterans before the UNC Board of Trustees and contributed to the effort that established UNC’s veteran resource center.

“I am particularly interested in the opportunity to expand military pathway initiatives within the School of Nursing by strengthening support structures that enhance recruitment, retention, and long-term student success,” said Brokob.

The new program will begin with the upcoming admissions cycle for the 2027-28 academic year.