McConnell Center welcomes 2026-27 U.S. Army War College Fellow

The McConnell Center is proud to welcome U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Latecia S. McGrady as the 2026-27 U.S. Army War College Fellow at the University of Louisville. During this prestigious one-year appointment, LTC McGrady will engage in UofL coursework to deepen her strategic expertise and collaborate with university leadership across disciplines. 

Now in its 13th year at UofL, the Army War College Fellowship program, based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is designed to develop military leaders into strategic thinkers by placing them in top universities, government agencies, think tanks and industry settings across the country.

Lieutenant Colonel Latecia McGrady most recently served on the Army Staff as a Sustainment Headquarters and Contracting Organizational Integrator in the G3/5/7 DAMO-FM, Pentagon, Washington, DC. Before that, she served as Battalion Commander, 330th Transportation Battalion, Fort Bragg, NC, and as Brigade Executive Officer, 401st Army Field Support Brigade, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. She also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Commander, 503rd Support Maintenance Company (DS), 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Bragg, NC.

Her earlier roles include Operations Officer, 840th Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion, 595th Transportation Brigade, Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Support Operations Ammunition Officer, 188th Brigade Support Battalion, 18th Fires Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC. Earlier in her career, she held various leadership roles within the 31st Airborne Division. 

A native of Troy, Alabama, LTC McGrady holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Counseling/Psychology from Troy State University, Troy, AL. While attending graduate school, she received her commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps.

Her numerous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), NATO Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Army Superior Unit Award. She is married to Mr. Eric Pugh, and they have one son, Nicholas Pugh.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as an Army War College Fellow at the University of Louisville and to work alongside the scholars of the McConnell Center,” said McGrady. “I look forward to broadening my horizons, strengthening my strategic thinking, and gaining perspectives that will enhance my ability to serve.”

The McConnell Center is excited to learn from and alongside LTC McGrady throughout the coming year!

To learn more about the McConnell Center’s military education programs, visit https://centers.louisville.edu/mcconnell-center/military-education.