Major John J. Felber, assistant professor of military science who heads the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Coastal Carolina University, was recently promoted from captain to major in a ceremony held on campus. The presentation was the first military promotion ceremony at the University. Presenting the new rank was Lt. Col. Scott Brooks from Fort Gordon.

Felber was awarded numerous medals including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2006.

Originally from Tallmadge, Ohio, Felber was commissioned a second lieutenant in 2000 and earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Wright State University and an MBA from Clemson University.

He is a member of the board of advisers of CCU's new Center for Military and Veterans Studies.