Lt Col Richard J. Nova To Lead Air Force ROTC At Several New York Universities
Based at Manhattan University, a Designated Military-Friendly School, Nova is Responsible for Training over 120 Cadets and Midshipmen
Manhattan University today announced that Lieutenant Colonel Richard J. Nova has been named the Commander and Professor of Air and Space Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) housed at Manhattan University. As the Commander, he oversees all operations and leads a cadre of instructors and non-commissioned officers responsible for the training of over 120 cadets and Midshipmen from 16 colleges, universities, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who aspiring to become officers in the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Space Force. He is a direct liaison to the President of Manhattan University and chairs the Department of Air and Space Studies within the School of Engineering. Nova oversees the only Air Force ROTC entity in New York City.
The students enrolled in the Air Force ROTC receive a basic introduction to the Air Force, including leadership courses and preparation for active duty; physical training; and participation in a Leadership Lab where guest officers speak with and share their knowledge about the Air Force/Space Force. Upon completion of their studies, the students are commissioned as lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force and will serve on active duty for four years.
Nova received his commission in May 2009 as a graduate of Clemson University’s AFROTC program. He entered active duty as a civil engineer and served in various installations and Major Command engineer positions. In 2021, he commanded the AFROTC Detachment 159 and was the Acting Chairman of the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of Central Florida.
A native of Georgia, Nova stated that he is thrilled to be part of the Manhattan University family and enjoys “being a New Yorker with all that the city has to offer.”
In keeping with its military focus, Manhattan University recently was recognized as a Gold Status Military Friendly School for 2024/2025 by The Military Friendly Schools Survey and U.S. News and World Report ranked Manhattan #3 among regional master’s degree institutions, continuing the School’s recognition as one that successfully embraces veterans.