Michaela Fisher ’26 forges her career path through Furman ROTC

While it’s not uncommon for some to follow the career path of one of their parents, Furman University senior and ROTC cadet Michaela Fisher ’26 is tracking both of hers by becoming an occupational therapist like her mother and serving in the military like her father.

“My dad is a former helicopter pilot for the Marine Corps. He served for 27 years and flew Marine One. He flew both [former President George W.] Bush and [former President Barack] Obama,” she said.

“And my mom is an occupational therapist who is so awesome,” she added. “She’s always been there for my sisters and me. She’s the best role model.”

Health sciences major Michaela Fisher ’26 also plays as a midfielder on the Furman women’s soccer team.

While searching from her home in Concord, North Carolina for the right college, Fisher found a health sciences program she loved and won a full-ride ROTC scholarship at Furman. After talking with Paladin coaches about playing soccer, her choice became clear.

Becoming a Paladin Battalion cadet meant Fisher had to prove her leadership skills, complete grueling physical fitness challenges and submit to an in-person interview as a high school junior. And that, she said, was just the beginning.

Lt. Col. Paul Lew, a professor of military science who heads Furman’s ROTC program, lauded Fisher as a “well-rounded cadet who understands what service means and who has dedicated herself to the program and to the Army.” ROTC is one of the ways Furman provides opportunities for students to pursue their passions and navigate their post-graduate paths, Lew said.

“She has all the qualities you look for in an officer,” he added. “Her work ethic is beyond what’s required and she has a great attitude.”

ROTC, or Reserve Officers Training Corps, is a four-year program that requires cadets to take military science classes and a lab in tactics, as well as fitness tests and advanced training camps, all in addition to their normal studies, Lew said.

Fisher, now a senior, recently placed 39th out of more than 5,500 ROTC cadets in a national ranking based on GPA, ROTC test scores, fitness standards and more. She was first in her regiment at Cadet Summer Training and took on the Army ROTC Ranger Challenge as part of the Paladin Battalion team.

“That has helped me distinguish myself,” Fisher said. “It involves a lot of training and warrior skills and prepares you to handle difficult environments.”

Upon graduation, cadets must serve four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserves or National Guard, Fisher said. But that won’t derail her career aspirations – she can request an educational delay to continue her studies before going on active duty. Fisher was accepted to the Medical University of South Carolina in November, and will pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy there, then serve in a medical role when she goes into the Army after.

Once commissioned, she hopes to be attached to an Army unit where she can serve active-duty military and their families. Until then, she’s enjoying her last few months on campus and with her soccer team as part of the Furman family.

“This truly is a community I’m a part of,” she said. “I have a great family at home and a great family here at Furman.”