COL Nathaniel Conkey

COL Nate Conkey is the Commandant for the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at West Point. He most recently concluded a year-long fellowship through the United States Army War College studying at Columbia University. He commissioned into the Infantry in 2000 after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in physical education from Columbia University's Teacher's College. 

COL Conkey has served as a Platoon Leader in 1-24 IN at Fort Lewis, WA; Company Commander and Staff Officer in 2-327 IN at Fort Campbell, KY; an Instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point; Future Operations planner with 1st CAV DIV in Bagram, Afghanistan; Battalion Field Grade Officer with 2-1 IN at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; Battle Major for America’s First Corps, also at JBLM; and then Corps Commander’s Liaison Officer to United States Army Pacific from Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He returned to JBLM as the Battalion Commander for 2-357 IN of 189th INF BDE, before serving as the Professor of Military Science for Auburn University Army ROTC program in Auburn, AL. Back at West Point, COL Conkey most recently served as the Regimental Tactical Officer for the First Regiment of the United States Corps of Cadets.

COL Conkey's deployments include as a Rifle Company Commander to Kirkuk, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as a Future Plans Officer with the 1st CAV DIV to Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He has earned the Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and both the Combat and Expert Infantryman's Badges. He was also selected as the Army’s Athlete of the Year in 2014. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain's Career Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and Command and General Staff College.

He is married to COL Kate Conkey, an academy professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point. Together they have three children - Charlene Jane, 16; Marin, 12; and Grayson, 9.