LTC Benjamin Gillespie
Professor of Military Science
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin J. Gillespie serves as the Professor of Military Science overseeing Army ROTC programs supporting Weber State University, Utah State University, and Idaho State University. He leads battalion-level operations responsible for the training, mentorship, and development of cadets preparing to commission as officers in the US Army. With more than 20 years of military leadership experience, LTC Gillespie has served in a variety of operational and strategic roles focused on leadership development, strategic coordination, and organizational effectiveness. In this role, he works closely with ROTC cadre and university leadership across partner institutions to strengthen leadership education, support cadet success, and develop the next generation of Army officers. LTC Gillespie holds a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from The Ohio State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville, with a focus on governance, leadership, and institutional effectiveness.
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin J. Gillespie serves as the Professor of Military Science (PMS) for the Army ROTC program supporting Weber State University, Utah State University, and Idaho State University. In this role, he provides senior leadership and oversight for battalion-level operations responsible for developing and commissioning future Army officers while fostering leadership development among university students.
As PMS, LTC Gillespie oversees the planning and execution of training, mentorship, and professional development for cadets across the partnered universities. He works closely with ROTC cadre and university leadership to ensure the program supports both the Army’s leadership development mission and the academic goals of the institutions it serves. At Idaho State University, he collaborates with the Army ROTC cadre and campus leadership to strengthen the program’s integration with the university community and expand opportunities for students interested in leadership and public service.
LTC Gillespie brings more than two decades of leadership experience in complex operational and organizational environments. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Military-to-Military Engagements Chief for Eighth U.S. Army in the Republic of Korea, where he coordinated strategic engagement initiatives with allied partners and supported multinational leadership development and professional education programs.
Earlier assignments include service at the Pentagon on the Joint Staff as Program Manager and Executive Assistant (J-39), where he supported senior leaders through program management, policy development, and strategic coordination. He also served as Information Operations Chief with U.S. Special Operations Command Korea, directing teams responsible for planning strategic communication initiatives and collaborating with interagency and international partners.
Additional leadership assignments include positions with the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), and the 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), where he led training, professional development, and operational planning efforts.
LTC Gillespie holds a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from The Ohio State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville, focusing on higher education governance, leadership, and institutional effectiveness.
Through his work in Army ROTC and higher education, LTC Gillespie is committed to developing principled leaders prepared to serve their communities, their nation, and the organizations they will lead.
MSG Marcelo Rubalcava
Senior Military Science Instructor
Master Sergeant Marcelo Rubalcava, a native of Garden Grove, California joined the U.S Army in July 2001 and attended Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. He then attended Advance Individual Training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a 13B, Cannon Crew Member.
MSG Rubalcava has held every position in a Field Artillery cannon section ranging from Number 1 Cannoneer to Howitzer Chief of Section and has operated and fired multiple artillery pieces such as the M198, M119, M109 and M777 Howitzer. From 2001 to 2007, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 3rd BN, 321st FAR, Fort Bragg, NC where he deployed once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2007, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 1st BN, 6th FA in Fort Hood, TX where he once again answered the call of duty and deployed to the Kunar providence, Afghanistan as a Chief of Section for an M119 Howitzer crew. In December, 2009 MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 2nd BN, 82nd FA and later on re-assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division where, from 2011-2012 he deployed back to Afghanistan and served as a mentor and advisor for the Afghan National Army. From 2013-2016, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 2nd BN, 11th FAR in Schofield Barracks, HI where he served as Gunnery Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant for an M777 Howitzer BN. In 2016 he was assigned to 1st BN, 30th FA where he served as Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Master Gunner and Operations NCOIC. In 2018 he was re-assigned to C Btry, 1st BN, 78th FA and become the 1SG for the 13B AIT School House. In January, 2021 MSG Rubalcava became the 1SG for HHB, 428th FA BDE. Upon his time as a 1SG, MSG Rubalcava served as an Observer, Coach, and Trainer (OC/T) at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, CA. In 2024 he was assigned to Weber State University, ROTC as the Senior Military Science Instructor.
MSG Rubalcava’s military education includes Warrior Leader Course, Advance Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Air Assault School, Ranger School, Field Artillery Master Gunner’s Course, Master Fitness Course, Commanders/1SG Course and Master Leader Course.
MSG Rubalcava’s awards and decorations includes the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medeal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5 Bronze Loops), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 bronze campaign stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 bronze campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 3), Overseas Ribbon (numeral 3), Driver’s Badge (Wheel), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), and Army Superior Unit Award. SFC Rubalcava is also a recipient of The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara and Norwegian Foot March Badge.
MSG Rubalcava is married to MSG(R) Cassi Rubalcava and have two children, Dean (15) and Leah (10)
CPT Timothy Newton
Department Chair | Assistant Professor of Military Science
Office: Garrison Hall Rm B-5
Captain Timothy E. Newton serves as the Department Chair and Officer in Charge of the Army ROTC program at Idaho State University. With more than a decade of leadership experience in the U.S. Army, CPT Newton brings extensive operational and organizational leadership to the program. In this role, he oversees cadet leadership development, program operations, and the integration of ROTC training with the university’s academic environment while working closely with university leadership, faculty, and partner ROTC programs to strengthen the program. CPT Newton holds bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Resources from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Science in IT Project Management from Western Governors University.
Captain Timothy E. Newton is a U.S. Army Military Police officer and the Department Chair for the Army ROTC program at Idaho State University, where he works to develop future Army officers while helping cadets grow as leaders, students, and members of the community. In this role, he oversees the ROTC program and works closely with university leadership, faculty, and partner ROTC programs throughout the region to provide meaningful leadership development opportunities for cadets and students.
CPT Newton brings more than a decade of military leadership experience in operational and training environments both in the United States and overseas. Prior to joining Idaho State University, he served as the Company Commander of a forward-deployed Combat Support Military Police Company at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea, where he led more than 240 U.S. and Korean Soldiers responsible for law enforcement and security operations supporting a population of over 38,000 personnel. Throughout his career he has also served as an Assistant Operations Officer for the 94th Military Police Battalion, Platoon Leader at Fort Stewart, and Executive Officer in both operational and recruiting units, developing Soldiers and managing complex operations and organizations.
Before commissioning as an officer, CPT Newton served as a Squad Leader with the 82nd Airborne Division, gaining early leadership experience in airborne operations and Soldier development that continues to shape his approach to mentoring young leaders today.
At Idaho State University, CPT Newton is focused on strengthening the ROTC program, building partnerships across campus, and supporting cadets as they prepare for careers as Army officers and leaders in their communities. He is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and helping students build the confidence and skills needed to succeed both in the military and beyond.
CPT Newton holds two bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Resources from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Science in IT Project Management from Western Governors University. Captain Newton’s military service has been recognized through numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (three awards), Army Achievement Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and multiple overseas service awards. He has also earned several specialized military qualifications, including the Expert Infantry Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, and international airborne qualifications from Canada and Estonia, as well as the Norwegian Ruck March Badge.
SFC Trevor Stringer
Military Instructor
Office: Garrison Hall Rm B-5
SFC Stringer is a U.S. Army Military Police Officer who brings more than 15 years of leadership, training, and mentorship experience to the study of Military Science. Drawing on a distinguished career in the United States Army, he is dedicated to helping students develop the knowledge, discipline, and leadership skills essential for success in the U.S. Army
SFC Stringer brings over 15 years of distinguished service and leadership experience from the United States Army to the academic environment. He has led teams of more than 30 Soldiers, guided junior leaders, and developed comprehensive training programs focused on professional growth, mission readiness, and organizational excellence.
Throughout a multifaceted military career, SFC Stringer has served in roles including Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Squad Leader, and Military Police Investigator, cultivating expertise in leadership development, instructional design, crisis management, and operational planning. These experiences have shaped a teaching philosophy centered on discipline, mentorship, and the practical application of leadership theory.
A recipient of multiple honors—including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), and Army Achievement Medal (9th Award)—SFC Stringer is also a Distinguished Honor Graduate of several advanced leadership programs. He holds extensive certifications in leadership, investigations, anti-terrorism, and physical security.
In the classroom, SFC Stringer integrates real-world leadership principles with academic inquiry, preparing cadets to think critically, act decisively, and lead ethically in complex environments. His commitment to mentorship and lifelong learning continues to guide both personal and professional endeavors.
Mrs. Photina Haumschilt
Army ROTC Coordinator
Office: Garrison Hall B-6
Mrs. Photina Haumschilt serves as the Army ROTC Coordinator at Idaho State University, where she supports the cadets, cadre, and daily operations of the Bengal Detachment. She joined ISU Army ROTC in 2016 and has progressed from Administrative Assistant I to Administrative Assistant II and, ultimately, Coordinator. Her years with the program have given her extensive institutional knowledge of both university processes and U.S. Army ROTC requirements.
As the department’s senior civilian administrator, Photina oversees budgeting, records management, course scheduling, faculty rotations, departmental communications, calendars, meeting coordination, and other administrative functions. She serves as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, university departments, alumni, military partners, and community organizations. She also supervises and mentors departmental interns, helping prepare them for professional roles while supporting the operational needs of the department.
Photina works closely with Army cadre and university advisors to support cadets throughout their academic and ROTC experience. Her responsibilities include coordinating enrollment, scholarships, academic advising, classroom scheduling, tutoring resources, and training environments. She reviews academic plans, evaluates transcripts, monitors academic progression, and helps ensure cadets remain on track to meet university graduation and Army commissioning requirements.
In addition to her academic and administrative responsibilities, Photina coordinates military, university, and community events. She develops partnerships with local schools, veterans’ organizations, the ISU Veteran Student Services Center, National Guard and Reserve units, first responders, employers, civic leaders, and other campus and community partners. Her work has contributed to initiatives such as ISU’s Hometown Heroes activities, the Southeast Idaho Military Gala, military appreciation events, and community outreach efforts. She also helped establish the ISU Army ROTC Alumni Chapter, connecting alumni with current cadets and recent graduates through mentorship, networking, and engagement opportunities.
Photina holds bachelor’s degrees from Idaho State University in English, Business Administration, and Outdoor Education. She is the daughter of two Army veterans and the spouse of a Navy veteran. Her commitment to military members, veterans, and their families extends beyond her university role through her service as the founding president of Idaho Honor Flight. She is also a lifelong Girl Scout, camp director, and outdoor educator committed to leadership development, mentorship, and community service.
Mr. Scott Kibler
Human Resource Administrator
Mr. Scott Kibler retired with over 24 years of active duty service in the Army. Positions held are Paratrooper, Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman), Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Master Recruiter with both the Army and the National Guard, Senior Military Instructor of the Weber State University Army ROTC program, and NCOIC of the Utah National Guards Funeral Honors detail. Mr. Kibler holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Columbia Southern University.
Mr. Kibler serves as the Human Resource Assistant of the Wildcat Battalion Army ROTC program. In this role, he oversees Army Cadet Command cadet administrative actions, such as contracting, pay, medical determinations, probations and commissionings. With a decade of experience as the Human Resource Assistant, he brings extensive operational and organizational leadership to the battalion.