The Man, The Legend

LTC Arnet J. Whorley was commissioned in 1975 in the United States Army (Armor) as a second lieutenant. In February 1982, during a period of racial tension between the students of the University of Georgia, Armstrong Campus (present day Georgia Southern, Armstrong Campus) and Savannah State University (SSU), LTC Whorley became the first African-American Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS), Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC) Savannah State University (SSU). Upon returning from Camp Casey, South Korea as a Company Commander, LTC Whorley was assigned to Savannah State to bolster the ROTC program and its recruitment efforts. He increased enrollment from 57 to 96 cadets—which included more than 20 MS III cadets under contract—within the first two years. LTC Whorley established a 15-person drill team to represent the Army ROTC program in local drill competitions as well as campus and community parade activities.  He also established additional programs (which have since been discontinued) such as the Army ROTC intramural football and basketball teams. He scheduled basketball games with inter-state college Army ROTC programs and coordinated annual Thanksgiving football games against the on-campus rival Navy ROTC program. LTC Whorley played an essential role in improving the image of Army ROTC on-campus by encouraging cadets to participate in talent shows, homecoming celebrations, and community food drives. He increased ROTC’s visibility while enhancing recruitment and retention rates. 

In addition to his duties and commitment to the program, LTC Whorley was appointed by the Dean of Sciences and Technology to serve on the Administrative Council Committee, Recruitment Committee, and the Academic Survey Committee. LTC Whorley served as a role model for the cadre and cadet population of Savannah State University by exhibiting tremendous dedication to duty, concern for all students, personal integrity, and professional conduct. He demonstrated technical expertise exceeding the mere standards of an APMS, receiving numerous letters of commendation from the Dean of Science and Technology, Professor of Military Science Navy ROTC, and the President of Savannah State University.  

LTC Whorley’s dedication, drive, and commitment to the SSU Army ROTC program had a sustained impact on the success of the Cadets and is a direct reflection of the program’s continued drive for excellence. LTC Whorley’s sacrifice and efforts has had a major impact on the lives of his students and the ROTC program at Savannah State University.

LTC Whorley is a 1975 graduate of Morgan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science. He also earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 1985, and is a lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.