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Col. Edward Bankston, '02, is taking the role of professor of military science as the 2024-25 academic year begins. For Bankston, it's a dream come true to be back in Dahlonega playing such an integral role with the Corps of Cadets that propelled his Army career.  

"I'm grateful to be giving back to the program that helped me be where I am today and helping to shape tomorrow’s leaders," Bankston said.  

He knows firsthand that the leadership experiences of cadets set them apart both in the Army and in the civilian workforce. 

"As a senior military college, we set the standards for others to strive to meet. Our cadets arrive better prepared having experienced military structure, training and various opportunities that other programs do not provide," Bankston said. "Our goal is to best prepare all of our cadets to succeed, regardless of if they are on the commissioning track or National Service Leadership Track." 

Bankston was a member of the specialty units Mountain Order of Colombo and Scabbard and Blade and a Sigma Chi fraternity brother while a cadet. He also met his wife, Amanda, a 2003 graduate.  

Bankston said the world and the Army have grown more complex since his days as a student, adding to the challenges cadets face. He noted that the growth of the university positions the Corps of Cadets uniquely to thrive in partnership with the Athletics, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology departments to help cadets reach peak performance.  

Cadets will quickly notice Bankston's direct approach.  

"I like brutal honesty. If there's an issue, I'll let you know," Bankston said. "There is no need to beat around the bush or waste anyone's time." 

Bankston holds a master's degree in adult education from Kansas State University and a Master's of Operational Art and Science, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the School of Advanced Military Studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and leadership minor from what was then North Georgia College and is now ÌìÃÀÉçÇø.  

Bankston has seven deployments between Iraq (2005-2008) and Afghanistan (2010-2011 and 2013-2017) with over 72 months of service in a combat theater. He has commanded from the platoon through battalion level, serving in Air Assault, Stryker, Light Infantry and Mechanized formations throughout his career. While much of his service has been in brigade and below-level formations, he has also served in strategic assignments in the National Capital Region and Kabul, Afghanistan.  

Bankston has numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Star Medal, five Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, an ARCOM-V, four ARCOMs and the Saint Maurice Infantry Award. He has earned the Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Combat Action Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge. His foreign military badges include the German Troop Proficiency Badge, German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship (Schutzenschnur), Polish Marksmanship Badge, and Norwegian Foot March Badge.