12/11/25

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University will mark a historic milestone on Dec. 12 when Jackson Piper becomes the university’s first graduate of its Officer Candidate School (OCS) program to cross the commencement stage at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Piper, a Kansas City native, joined the Kansas Army National Guard during his sophomore year and enrolled in FHSU’s OCS program shortly after its launch in 2022. Encouraged by then-military science instructor CPT Hannah Byun, he pursued the program as a pathway to becoming an officer while completing his bachelor’s degree at FHSU.

“Jackson is distinguished as the first individual to commission through this program, marking a historic milestone,” said 1LT Michael Mancuso, FHSU’s current OCS program coordinator. “He has completed rigorous training in leadership, tactics, and military operations, preparing him to lead soldiers at the platoon level in both state and federal missions.” Upon commissioning, Piper was selected to serve as a Military Intelligence Officer in the Kansas Army National Guard.

Piper said the opportunity to earn his commission while staying close to home made the decision clear. “I wanted to become an officer when I joined the service,” he said. “The next thing you know, the program is done, and now I’m commissioned.”

Having completed his undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in management, Piper now serves in the intelligence office of the 1st 108th Aviation Unit in Topeka, assisting with helicopter operations and background clearance processes. He is exploring career paths with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the military, or the civilian workforce.

Piper described the OCS experience as both “fun but challenging.” Phase one—a bootcamp in Salina—was the most demanding, followed by individualized classroom instruction in phase two and a final two-week culminating training event in Alabama for phase three. Balancing academic coursework with OCS responsibilities, he said, was often difficult. “Trying to stay up to speed with OCS training and other classes was a challenge sometimes.”

Still, he credits the program with significant personal and professional growth. “You don’t expect that when you join, but by the end of it, you are a new version of yourself,” Piper said. “You build a community of helping each other out.” He also expressed appreciation for FHSU faculty who supported him throughout his training.

With commencement approaching, Piper is ready for a brief rest. “I honestly wouldn’t mind a spa day,” he joked. “Just a relaxed day. Take a breath. Finally.”

Currently, four students are enrolled in FHSU’s OCS program as it continues to expand leadership opportunities for service members on campus.

For more information about FHSU’s Officer Candidate School, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/military/officer-candidate-school, email military@fhsu.edu, or call 785-628-4184.