When Lieutenant Colonel Diana J. A’Xaymac (ZAY-mac) arrived on The Hill this fall to begin her tenure as Professor of Military Science (PMS) and head of the Alabama A&M University Bulldog Battalion, she was not just reporting for duty – she was coming home. A proud alumna and career officer, A’Xaymac becomes the 19th person to lead AAMU’s ROTC program in its 54-year history and the first woman PMS, an appointment that carries both personal and historical significance.

A’Xaymac earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Alabama A&M University in 2005 and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from Webster University in January 2011. Her officer military education includes the Chemical Officer’s Basic Course (2007), Chemical Captains Career Course (2010), CBRN Mass Casualty Decontamination Course (2016), Technical Escort Course (2017), and the Command and General Staff Officer Course (2018).

The path to her new position required persistence. A’Xaymac applied three times over several years before being selected. “Each time I didn’t get it, I just told myself to keep preparing,” she said. “I knew this was where I was supposed to be. I just had to wait for the right time.”

She succeeded LTC Early Howard, a fellow AAMU alumnus who led the program for three years. “LTC Howard told me how proud he was to hand over the program to someone who loves AAMU as much as he does,” she recalled. “He gave me great insight about the cadets, the culture, and the direction he hoped the battalion would continue. I assured him that I plan to build upon that foundation and take it even further.”

A’Xaymac brings 22 years of experience as both an enlisted and commissioned officer, including deployments to Afghanistan and Poland, service in South Korea and Canada, and numerous stateside assignments. She has led soldiers in combat, environmental, and technical missions and participated in joint operations and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide.

Her awards and decorations reflect her leadership and service, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, and several campaign and service ribbons. She has also been honored with distinctions such as the Ancient Order of the Dragon and the Order of the Dragon.

Family remains central to A’Xaymac’s life. She is the mother of three daughters. Her oldest, Nakia James, graduated from AAMU and works as a special education teacher in Huntsville, along with her own daughter, Journie Durr. Her middle daughter, Alex, has a degree in forensic science and lives in Los Angeles. Her youngest daughter, Kariana, is a freshman at AAMU – a decision that came as a complete surprise. “She looked at a lot of different schools and never told me she actually applied to Alabama A&M until she got accepted last fall,” said A’Xaymac. “She came running in, holding the acceptance letter, and I was like, ‘Wait, what?’ She had been thinking about schools in New York, and suddenly she chose Alabama A&M. I couldn’t believe it.”

During her three-year term, A’Xaymac plans to expand leadership development opportunities, strengthen partnerships with Army commands, and enhance the academic and physical training experience for cadets. Next year, cadets from the University of North Alabama will join the Bulldog Battalion. The University of Alabama in Huntsville will continue its long-standing participation.

“Our cadets should be seen as the leaders they’re becoming,” she said. “We’re building officers who will represent both the Army and Alabama A&M with excellence.”

A’Xaymac also emphasizes the importance of mentoring female cadets. She estimates that 80 to 85 percent of the students in the program are women. “I’m here at the time God wanted me to be here to mentor and guide these young ladies going into the service,” she said. “Even though there are many women in the military, you’re still often the only one in the room. I want every young woman who walks into this program to know she can lead, serve, and excel.”

On August 15, members of her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Beta Chapter, warmly welcomed A’Xaymac back, demonstrating that leadership and mentorship extend beyond the ROTC program. They gathered at the Felicia Wilson Cafeteria, sharing gift baskets, hugs, and laughter. For A’Xaymac, a Spring 2001 Sigma Beta initiate, the celebration held special significance. 

Looking ahead, A’Xaymac hopes to continue advancing Army education and leadership development, and has plans to become a battalion commander after her time at AAMU. For now, her focus remains on the Hill. “I’m just super excited to be back home,” she said. “Alabama A&M made me who I am – and now I get to pour back into the place that poured so much into me.”

(Family L-R) LTC Diana A.'Xaymac; AAMU freshman Kariana James-Traylor; AAMU alumna Nakia James and granddaughter Journie Durr; Alexandria Burton, University of New Haven alumna and scientist for Eurofins Eaton Analytical in Los Angeles