Fawley to share with Online Program graduates how his OHIO education helped his career

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Darrell Fawley’s career was enhanced by educational opportunities at Ohio University, an experience he will share as keynote speaker for the University’s online graduation recognition ceremony later this month.

Fawley started his educational journey at the Unites States Military Academy at West Point, but would return 20 years later to Athens, where his wife, father and sister earned degrees as proud Bobcats. What drew him back was the opportunity to serve as Commander of Ohio University’s Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program.

“One of the hardest things about going to West Point for me was giving up the opportunity to become a Bobcat,” said Fawley, who at the time was the only Army ROTC commander within a five-state area to lead with the rank of major. “Fortunately, the Army led me back here and I have been able to enhance my professional development through the educational opportunities OHIO affords.”

Fawley served in the post of professor of military science at OHIO until 2022 before moving to California to take command of the 2/11 Squadron Eaglehorse in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He is currently Staff Officer for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, where he serves as Defense Planner.

By the time he left the University he had earned two master’s degrees: one from the College of Arts and Sciences’ History Department and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the George V. Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. He is also working toward a doctorate in Military and Political History from OHIO.

That experience, which helped set the stage for advancing his career, will be the focal point of his keynote speech to the online program graduates, he said.

“My speech will focus on the unexpected ways that my education has benefited me in my career,” he said. That includes “learning to understand the different viewpoints which helped me to work to find consensus among 31 other Allied nations; using my research training to develop solutions to new problems based on history; and applying discretion in my approach to administration.”

The online graduation recognition ceremony is set for noon on April 30. More information on the event is available on the OHIO Online website.

“I’ve built a career serving the public as a proud member of the United States Army,” Fawley said. “Ohio University gave me so many educational opportunities to enhance my military training through leadership skills and MPA work focused specifically on service to our communities. For me, that means service to my country. I am honored to serve and proud to be an OHIO alumnus.”