Syracuse Sun

The Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation (IDDE) Fellowship Program at the Sergeant Majors Academy (SGM-A), Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCOE) in Fort Bliss, Texas, recently welcomed a new cohort of students. Professors Moon-Heum Cho and Rob Pusch from the School of Education visited these students in January 2025.

During their visit, the professors conducted sessions covering human performance technology and evaluation courses. "During our time there, we conducted three two-hour sessions and interacted with the military students," said Cho. The IDDE program's partnership with SGM-A began in 2019 when sergeants major were offered a fully online master's degree option through Syracuse University.

Sgt. Maj. Rene Aleman from Robstown, Texas, enlisted in 2000 and has served in various assignments across the U.S., Korea, Iraq, Kuwait, and Jordan. He holds multiple degrees including a doctorate in Business Administration. Aleman stated that the IDDE program provides him an opportunity to give back to the Army by helping to mold future sergeants major: "I plan to apply my experience as an instructor to challenge future sergeants major."

Sgt. Maj. Lourdes M. Barragan from Abilene, Texas, enlisted in 2001 and has served throughout the U.S., Iraq, and Germany. Her service includes roles within TRADOC and FORSCOM. She expressed that her participation in the IDDE program allows her to continue lifelong learning while serving at NCOLCOE with her fiancé: "This degree allows me to serve at every key milestone of a soldier’s career."

Sgt. Maj. Brady Ryan Davis from Dallas, Texas enlisted in 2000 and completed several advanced training programs before serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment for many years. Davis described his military path as non-standard but found success academically at SGM-A: "This left such a lasting impact on me that I was determined to find my way back."

Sgt. Maj. Liela Shadmani from Guam enlisted in 2002 and has served at numerous locations including Fort Carson and Baghdad as a dental specialist among other roles. She aims to create meaningful changes within education: "I’ve seen firsthand the critical role education plays in shaping effective leaders."

The IDDE program continues to support military personnel by equipping them with educational skills for both government and private sectors post-military service.