Skip to main content

Background Image for Header:

Faculty and Staff

LEARN LEADERSHIP FROM THE BEST

Sherck

LTC David Sherck, Professor of Military Science

LTC Dave Sherck assumed duties as the Professor of Military Science at West Virginia University in June of 2021 and brings two decades of military experience to the program. He began his military career as an infantryman in the Florida National Guard in 2002 before commissioning from Florida State University in Armor in 2006. A career Cavalryman, LTC Sherck has served as a Tank and Scout Platoon Leader, Tank Company Executive Officer, Cavalry Troop Commander, and Cavalry Squadron Operations Officer. His most recent assignment was as the Squadron Executive Officer for the newly formed 3rd Squadron, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade. MAJ Sherck’s operational experience includes three combat deployments to Iraq, hurricane relief operations in Florida, and a variety of multinational and joint exercises. LTC Sherck holds a bachelor’s in History from Florida State University and a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course and Career Courses, the Army Reconnaissance Course, Basic Parachutist Course, the NATO Staff Officer Course, and the Security Forces Assistance Advisor Course.

LTC Sherck is a Chicago native and the proud father of two daughters, Alice and Reese, who he raises with his wife, Morgan, a registered nurse originally from Austin, Texas. In his free time, LTC Sherck enjoys watching hockey, exploring the outdoors with his family, and taking care of their numerous pets.

E-mail: david.sherck@mail.wvu.edu


Farmer new


MSG Christopher Farmer,  Senior Military Science Instructor 

MSG Christopher Farmer assumes responsibility as the Senior Military Science Instructor. A 17-year Army veteran, MSG Farmer comes to WVU from the 1-66 Armor, 3rd ABCT, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson where he served as a first sergeant for three years. During that time he deployed to Baltic States in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and separately to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. A native of Seattle, Washington, MSG Farmer enlisted as a Cavalry Scout and was assigned to 1-4 Infantry Battalion in Hohenwald, Germany, where he deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a squad leader. He was later stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with 4-9 Infantry and again deployed to Afghanistan. He also did a tour at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., as an Observer Controller-Training with Tarantula Team.

MSG Farmer’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x8), AAM (x8), Combat Action Badge and Master Gunner Identification Badge. He is a graduate the Master Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Warrior Leader Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate) and M1A2 Master Gunner. He has two daughters, Julianna and Alessandra.

Email: Christopher.farmer1@mail.wvu.edu

Altman


CPT Elaine Altman, Assistant Professor of Military Science

CPT Altman is the Lead MS I instructor and the S4/Sustainment Officer for the battalion. Born and raised in Pitman, Pennsylvania, she commissioned as a Transportation Officer from Virginia Tech where she graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Leadership Studies through the Corps of Cadets. CPT Altman assessed onto active duty in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where she served as the Distribution Platoon Leader for E/2-227 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 1st Air Cav for 14 months. She then served for 2 years as executive officer for E/227 Gray Eagle Company, 1st Air Cavalry Division, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  After completing Logistics Captains Career Course at Fort Lee, she was assigned to the 10th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. There she served as the Battalion S4 for 12 months. She completed her key development assignment as the B/10 BSB Field Maintenance Company (FMC) Commander for 16 months before taking on the role of the S3/Operations officer for the battalion for 6 months before being reassigned to the Mountaineer Battalion.

Email: elaine.altman@mail.wvu.edu

Crissey Cropped

CPT Josh Crissey, APMS & Army National Guard Liaison

CPT Joshua Crissey is the Assistant Military Science Instructor for MS IVs and the S3/Operations Officer for the Mountaineer Battalion. He commissioned as an Armor Officer from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology in August of 2017. He also earned an M.S. in Safety Management from WVU in Spring of 2019.

Following completion of Armor Basic Officer Leadership Course, CPT Crissey served as Scout Platoon Leader in the 1-150th Cavalry Squadron (WVANG) for 38 months during a deployment train-up cycle, National Training Center rotation, and deployment to Tower 22 along the Syrian DCZ in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  Upon redeployment, CPT Crissey attended the Army Reconnaissance Course and entered the AGR program with the WVANG, serving as the 1-150th S4/Sustainment Officer for 18 months. He is married to Madison Crissey, a West Virginia University grad (2018), and a registered nurse at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

Email: jjcrissey@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-7558

MAJ Pollick Cropped

MAJ Andrew Pollick, Adjunct Professor of Military Science

MAJ Andrew Pollick is assigned to WVU as Adjunct Professor of Military Science through 4th Battalion, 413th Regiment, 104th Training Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He is an assistant instructor for the MS4s. MAJ Pollick joined the National Guard in 2008. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort McClellan, Ala. During his 12 years of service, he has served as a platoon leader, operations officer and civil engineer before completing command of the 589th Engineer Det., in Kaiserslautern, Germany. MAJ Pollick earned a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education, both from WVU. A Bridgeport High School math teacher, he resides in Bridgeport with his wife, Francesca, and daughters, Scarlett and Ruby.

Email: apollick@mail.wvu.edu

Taylor Cropped

CPT Trevarious Taylor, Assistant Professor of Military Science

CPT Trevarious Taylor assumes joins the Mountaineer Battalion and assumes duties as the Liaison Officer to Fairmont State and Waynesburg Universities.  He commissioned as a Quartermaster officer from Jackson State University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice in May of 2015.  CPT Taylor assessed onto active duty in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as the maintenance platoon leader for 602nd Support Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. He then served as executive officer for the 62nd Quartermaster Company for 13 months before attending Logistics Captain Career Course at Fort Lee, Virginia. After completing Captains Career Course, CPT Taylor was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, where he went on to serve as the 25th Sustainment Brigade transportation officer, 25 DSTB S3 operations officer, and Golf Forward Support company commander for the 1-27 Infantry Battalion.    

Email: trevarious.taylor@mail.wvu.edu

Pruitt Bio

MSG Cynthia Pruitt, Military Science Instructor

MSG Cynthia Pruitt entered the U.S. Army on 12 November 2003. She attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. Upon graduation, she attended Advance Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Her first assignment was 526th BSB of the 2/502d, 101s Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where she served as a member of the Treatment Platoon from June 2004 to Oct 2010. During this time, she deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (05-06, 07-08). She was later assigned to the IRACH at Fort Knox, KY as the Patient Administration NCOIC where she supervised 77 Government Employees and 5 Soldiers. 

MSG Pruitt joined the U.S Army Recruiting Command in 2011 and was assigned to the Charleston Recruiting Center of the 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion as a Health Care Recruiter. In 2014, she was assigned to Boston Medical Recruiting Center as the Center Leader where she served for almost three years. In 2017 she was assigned the 3rd Medical Recruiting Battalion as the Senior Operations NCO. She arrived in Morgantown in Summer 2021.

Email:  cynthia.pruitt@mail.wvu.edu

Rogers Cropped

SFC Lashifha Rogers, Military Science Instructor 

SFC Lashifha Rogers is a native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, and has served on active duty for 13 years. She served in multiple duty positions such as a Drill Sergeant, Postal NCO, Human Resource Sergeant NCOIC, and as an Executive Administrator. SFC Rogers deployed to Iraq (twice). She is currently performing duties as the MS1 Instructor. 

E-mail: lashifha.rogers@mail.wvu.edu

Skowyra Cropped

SFC John Skowyra, Military Science Instructor 

SFC John Skowyra is an 18-year Army veteran and a native of Warren, Massachusetts. An Infantryman, SFC Skowyra has served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) as well as serving on detailed recruiting and drill sergeant assignments. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2005 through March 2006 and January 2007 through March 2008, as well as deploying to Tunisia as a member of Task Force Currahee from September 2019 through March 2020.

SFC Skowyra’s awards and badges include the Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Rated Jumpmaster Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge and Recruiter Badge among others. He is a graduate of the Senior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, and Warrior Leaders Course. SFC Skowyra earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Post University in 2018. He has been married to his wife Kendra since 2012. 

E-mail: john.skowyra@mail.wvu.edu


Dowling Cropped

John Dowling, Recruiting Operations Officer 

John Dowling brings more than 37 years of military experience to the position as the Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) where he has served since 2013. He is responsible for all facets of recruiting, enrollment-scholarship processing, and mission set management. A product of the Mountaineer Battalion and a 1989 West Virginia University graduate, Mr. Dowling retired as a colonel from the Army Reserve in 2018. Mr. Dowling has commanded units at the company and battalion level and has served as a primary, special and personal staff officer. He has been mobilized four times for contingency operations including overseas deployments to Bosnia (SFOR 12) and Kuwait (2012-13). Mr. Dowling earned a Master of Public Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Office: (304) 293-7546
Cell: (304) 894-6641
Email:  armyrotc@mail.wvu.edu

Kinney Cropped

Chris Kinney, Senior Military Science Instructor
Chris Kinney is a contractor serving as a senior military science instructor for the battalion. He retired as a major from the WV National Guard. He served both enlisted (engineer – active duty) and commissioned (infantry – active duty and National Guard). Chris served in the Special Operations Detachment – Europe, commanded the WV National Guard Officer Candidate School, commanded B/1-201st FA during deployment to Iraq, and has served in various staff positions, as a company executive officer, as a mortar platoon leader, and as a rifle platoon leader. Chris also has leadership experience in the FBI, where he worked for 10 years prior to joining the Mountaineer Battalion, and manufacturing. Chris graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1996 with a degree in Mathematics. Chris and his wife, Diane, have two adult children and one grandchild. He was born and raised in Bridgeport, WV, and is a lifelong Mountaineer fan.

E-mail: christopher.kinney@mail.wvu.edu

McDonald Cropped

John McDonald, Military Science Instructor
John McDonald is a contractor serving as a military science instructor for the battalion. He brings 30-plus years of military experience having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1991 and commissioned through the ROTC program at East Carolina University. Mr. McDonald has served in multiple leadership positions from squad leader to brigade commander. His last duty assignment was in the Pentagon as chief of plans for readiness, engineering and contracting for the Joint Logistics Directorate (J4), Joint Staff where he retired as a colonel in July 2022.  He has six combat deployments with notable assignments in the 82nd Airborne Division, 528th Special Operations Support Battalion, Multi-National Corps (Iraq), and 10th Mountain Division. He also served as Commander, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pa.  He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice (ECU), M.S. in Logistics Management (FIT) and M.S. in National Resource Management and Strategy (NDU).

E-mail: john.mcdonald3@mail.wvu.edu

MARBURY


Charlotte Marbury, Administrative Secretary 

Charlotte Marbury has more than 20 years of experience as a WVU employee assigned to the Mountaineer Battalion. She plans and coordinates all special events such as commissioning and award ceremonies. She also works closely with the potential Cadets in scheduling DODMERB physicals and follow-up appointments.

Office: 304-293-7579
E-mail: charlotte.marbury@mail.wvu.edu

Sherman

Henry Sherman, Human Resources Assistant

Henry Sherman brings more than 23 years of military experience to the program as a Human Resources Assistant. During his time in the Army, Mr. Sherman served as an Infantry Team Leader, Squad Leader, Recruiter, Recruiting Station Commander, Operations NCO, and Guidance Counselor. Mr. Sherman was deployed two times while serving, combat deployment to Iraq, and a humanitarian deployment to Haiti. His military education includes the Primary, Basic, and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, the Army Recruiting Course, the Recruiting Station Commanders Course, and the Guidance Counselors Course.Mr. Sherman’s past military assignments include Fort Bragg (82nd ABN Div), Fort Polk (JRTC), Fort Carson (4th IN Div), recruiting duties in New England, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg (Pa.- Operations NCO), Fresno, (CA - Guidance Counselor),  and Atlanta Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). His military awards include: Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Wings (68 jumps), Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Army Accommodation Medal (5 awards) & the Army Achievement Medal (7 awards). He is a WVU graduate and is currently working on a Masters in Corporate and Organizational Communications.

Office: 304-293-7561
E-mail: henry.sherman@mail.wvu.edu

Gulledge


John Gulledge, Human Resources Assistant

John Gulledge joined the Mountaineer Battalion in Spring 2020 as a Human Resources Assistant. He is a native of West Virginia and previously served as an administrative military technician in the Army Reserve. Mr. Gulledge has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in sociology. He currently serves as a logistics officer (major) in the Army Reserve. A graduate of the Army Logistics University Captains Career, Mr. Gulledge deployed to Iraq in 2003 and Kuwait in 2022.

Office: 304-293-7557
E-mail: john.gulledge@mail.wvu.edu

Humphrey Cropped

Schuyler Humphrey, Logistics Technician (Logtech)

Schuyler Humphrey comes to the Mountaineer Battalion from the National Park Service where he had served for two years in the maintenance department. He is a native of Fairmont, WV, and brings 10 years of military experience to the program having served in the United States Marine Corps as a supply technician. During his time in the Marine Corps, Mr. Humphrey was assigned to the Combat Service Support Detachment 36 (CSSD-36) in Iwakuni, Japan, as a supply tech, Headquarters Battalion (HQBN) 2nd Marine Division G-4 at Camp Lejeune, NC, and the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCO Academy) at Camp Geiger, NC, as the Supply Chief. Mr. Humphrey was deployed two times for Operation Tandem Thrust - the premiere U.S.-Australia training exercise - in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, and a combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005.

E-mail: schuyler.humphrey@mail.wvu.edu

Follow