Our Purpose

The NCTR will be a hub for interdisciplinary, applied research focused on the human performance, and operational readiness of military personnel, first responders, and tactical athletes. This emphasis on solving real-world problems aligns with the university’s mission to foster innovative research that impacts the state, region, and nation.

While the NCTR is not an academic unit nor includes an academic curriculum, the NCTR will offer experiential learning, internships, and research assistantships for undergraduate and graduate students in fields such as exercise science, public health, psychology, engineering, and pharmacy. These opportunities will contribute to the university’s goal of developing leaders who are intellectually engaged and socially responsible.

By addressing the readiness challenges facing military installations and public safety agencies in the Southeast—particularly Mississippi—the NCTR strengthens the university’s commitment to community engagement and service. Mississippi is home to a significant population of active-duty military, National Guard, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency responders. The center will serve as a critical resource for workforce resilience and protection in these communities.

The NCTR will attract external funding, research grants, and partnerships with state and federal agencies, defense organizations, and health systems, contributing to economic development in the region. It will also support workforce training and continuing education for tactical professionals, reinforcing the university’s role as an engine for state and regional enrichment.