Taking the Next Step: UF Alumna Ranked Army Captain

Warrior Battalion Officer Lauran (Young) Glover ’11 recently received the rank of Captain in the United States Army at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Currently the first woman to be named Commander of the United States Army Drill Team (read more on this accomplishment here), becoming Captain is just another step in Glover’s inspiring and successful career. “I strive to put my best foot forward and bring my experience and knowledge to the table to get the job done right,” said Glover. “I’m extremely proud of myself and the hard work that I’ve done to receive this responsibility and recognition in my career.”
Coming from generations of military service, she continues to portray her family’s name with pride. “I do not fit the cookie-cutter mold for typical military leadership,” said Glover. “But each and every day I strive to continue the tradition that my family created.” Her grandfather, Evans Roberts, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. Her mother, Laura Young, retired after serving 28 years in the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard, and her brother, Paul Young, served eight years in the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard. Her husband, Albert, has currently been serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for the past five years and also has his own family history of military service, with both of his parents having served in the U.S. Army. In addition, Glover has cousins and other extended family members who have served in the military that add to the extensive family resume of serving our country.
As the Commander of the United States Army Drill Team, part of Glover’s mission is to travel across the country to high schools and colleges performing and illustrating the execution and perfection of military training (check out a video of the USADT here). After their performance, the drill team often spends time educating students about career opportunities and experiences while serving in the military. “I love giving back to the communities around the country and inspiring the next generation of military soldiers,” said Glover. “Having the ability to share my personal growth and express the honor I feel in serving our country is probably my favorite part of the job.”
Graduating with her degree in psychology from the University of Findlay, Glover’s goal is to eventually contribute to quality mental health services for military personnel and their families. Wanting to serve her country and gain her own perspective of life in the military, she hopes her experiences in the U.S. Army will better equip her to connect and assist these families in the future. Having recently been accepted to the American School of Professional Psychology in Washington D.C., Glover will be perusing her graduate degree this fall while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. “I’m ecstatic for the opportunity to continue my dream of working in the mental health arena,” said Glover.

Five years since she graduated from UF, Glover still proudly carries the Oiler name with her throughout her time in the service. “As with my family, I strive to positively represent everyone at UF who supported me during my time as a student,” said Glover. At the ceremony earlier this year honoring her new rank of Captain in the Army, Glover expressed that her UF family was with her in spirit. “When I took that step forward accepting my rank as a Captain, my UF family was a part of that moment with me. My career success has absolutely been impacted by the amazing support I continue to receive from the UF community today,” said Glover. “I feel extremely blessed to have this love and support no matter where I go in my career.”

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