Lincoln Native is Navy Training’s 2018 NROTC Instructor of the Year Finalist

From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A Lincoln, Nebraska native was announced as the 2018 Military Instructor of the Year finalist, NROTC category, for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in Pensacola at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola at the National Naval Aviation Museum Dec. 5.

Lt. Nicholas W. Munns serves as assistant professor of naval science at Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana. He teaches the course, Ship Systems One: Naval Engineering, employing educational approaches that engage students, facilitate discussion, and influence and invigorate each participant’s thought process. Munns frequently uses web-based digital tools and routinely ties abstract ideas to concrete and relatable information that promotes and enhances comprehension. A Navy nuclear submarine officer with several rare deployments in austere and contested seas across the globe, Munns incorporates his experience into each class, making a complex subject enjoyable and exciting. He has also generated substantial interest in Naval Reactors among the midshipmen, exceeding the unit’s mandated quota for Navy nuclear submarine officers, as well as producing its first woman as a female Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer candidate.

Representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members, Munns received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his accomplishments.

“It is an honor and privilege to teach and mentor future leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Munns. “I strive to impart technical knowledge, leadership techniques, and character that is in keeping with the United States military. I learn more from my students each day, myself becoming a better leader and person. I impart that same mentality to my students – each day, be better than you were yesterday.”

Munns is part of the team that takes sailors and Marines from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the training and education mission.

“Each of you here today represent the best of the very best in our Navy, making the force development mission a success," said Cozad. “We serve in a great Navy - and that greatness is centered on the initiative, leadership and competitive nature of our people. These sailors and officers illustrate everything that is right about our Navy and continue to represent our greatest advantage over any competitor and our most important means to achieving our desired ends. Everything that each of you does on a daily basis sets the highest bar when it comes to building a talented fleet for the Navy the nation needs, and it manifests through your recruiting and training accomplishments.”

Munns is a University of Nebraska graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Tulane University.

“I am so impressed by the caliber of all of our finalists," said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole. "We brought them together at NETC to recognize their tremendous talent and to show them how much we appreciate what they do to train, guide and get our sailors ready to man the fleet. They all represent a great deal of hard work and sweat that goes into creating a combat credible and lethal Navy and Marine Corps Team."

Munns is the son of Jeff and Sue Munns of Lincoln, Nebraska, and he is married to Kara Munns of Pittsburgh.

The NETC IOY program recognize sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.

For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.