In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Andrew Roman, Director of Veteran Initiatives at Columbia Southern University (CSU). With an impressive 32-year career in the Michigan Army National Guard, Andrew shares his transformative journey from enlisting in 1986 to retiring as Chief of Staff in 2018. He candidly opens up about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, emphasizing how even extensive military experience doesn't guarantee a smooth shift into the workforce. Andrew recounts how a fortunate opportunity led him to his current role at CSU, where he now dedicates his career to supporting fellow veterans.
Andrew delves into the comprehensive support Columbia Southern University offers its military-connected students, who make up nearly a third of the 28,000+ student body. He highlights targeted scholarships like the Forever a Hero for veterans and the Hero Behind the Hero for military spouses, as well as exclusive tuition discounts designed to make education more accessible. CSU also caps tuition rates for military tuition assistance at $250 per credit hour, even for graduate studies, demonstrating its commitment to affordability. Andrew underscores the importance of the university's dedicated military support teams and specialized departments that cater to active-duty members, veterans, spouses, and dependents.
A passionate advocate for student engagement, Andrew shares his efforts in leading the university's Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, fostering a sense of camaraderie in an online learning environment. He recounts how attending the SVA National Conference in Colorado Springs offered CSU's student veterans valuable networking opportunities, leadership development, and personal growth.
Tune in to hear how Columbia Southern University is creating a supportive and empowering environment for military-affiliated students and how Andrew Roman is paying it forward by guiding veterans toward educational and career success. This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice for veterans navigating their own transitions.
Check out Columbia Southern University here: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/ Columbia Southern University Veteran Center: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/military/veterans-center
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#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEducation #ColumbiaSouthernUniversity #VETSOS #MilitarySupport #VeteranSuccess #StudentVeterans #MilitaryScholarships #EducationForVeterans

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Rider, Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Veteran Services at Kent State University. Joshua shares his inspiring journey from a Kent State undergraduate to leading initiatives that support military-connected students. Discover how Kent State serves its 1,000+ military-affiliated students through centralized benefits processing, tailored programming across eight regional campuses, and holistic support services that extend to veterans' families. Joshua dives into the history and growth of veteran support services at Kent State, detailing how the Post-9/11 GI Bill transformed the university's approach to serving military students. He discusses the strategic combination of benefits processing and student engagement, creating a comprehensive support system that addresses both academic and personal needs. Learn how Kent State's flexible online portals and campus-specific programs empower veterans across Ohio, from the foothills of Appalachia to the shores of Lake Erie. Additionally, Joshua highlights unique opportunities for veterans, including Kent State's nationally recognized College of Education, Health, and Human Services, its top-tier fashion design program, and the university's exclusive aeronautics training at their on-campus airport. He emphasizes the importance of community building through student organizations, veteran-specific events, and partnerships with external support services like the VA and Student Accessibility Services. Joshua also shares his personal connection to the university, with his daughter becoming a fourth-generation Golden Flash, and reflects on how Kent State continues to foster a supportive environment for veterans and their families. Don't miss this insightful conversation about creating meaningful support systems for veterans in higher education.

Check out Kent State University: https://www.kent.edu/

Kent State University Center for Adult and Veteran Services: https://www.kent.edu/cavs Subscribe and follow the VET S.O.S. Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms to stay connected. Remember, don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! #VETSOS #KentStateUniversity #VeteranSupport #MilitaryConnectedStudents #HigherEducation #VeteranResources #StudentSuccess #VeteranEducation #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranTransition #SupportServices

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome Dr. Joshua Cunio, a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of service as an Apache helicopter technician and CID Special Agent. Dr. Cunio opens up about his challenging transition from military service to civilian life following a career-ending injury. Hear how he overcame adversity and found his calling in education and leadership, becoming the Director of Military and Veteran Outreach at National University and Managing Director of P3M Strategies LLC.
Dr. Cunio shares his passion for empowering veterans through education and leadership development. He discusses National University's commitment to the military community through flexible online and in-person programs, tailored certifications, and strategic industry partnerships. Learn about the university's unique "Whole You" approach, designed to support military-affiliated students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Plus, get an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, The Project Manager's Guide to Lessons Learned, offering practical insights for aspiring and seasoned project managers alike.
🎧 In This Episode:
- Dr. Cunio's military career, medical retirement, and path to resilience
- National University's comprehensive support for military-connected students
- Exploring over 190+ degree programs, certifications, and industry-aligned training
- The value of leadership, teaching, and mentorship in personal growth
- Behind the scenes of Dr. Cunio's upcoming project management guide
📢 Connect with Us:
Subscribe and follow VET S.O.S. on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media. Stay informed and inspired with real stories and essential resources for veterans and their families.
🔗 Learn More:
National University: https://www.nu.edu/ National University Veteran Center: https://www.nu.edu/student-services/sas-veteran-student-success/
💬 Join the Conversation:
Drop a comment below and share your transition story! What resources have helped you most in your career journey?
📌 Remember: Don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VETSOS #NationalUniversity #VeteranEducation #Leadership #ProjectManagement #Resilience #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryCommunity #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are honored to host Duane Bygum, a 30-year veteran of the armed forces and current chair of the Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Veterans Outreach Program. With a distinguished career spanning the Marine Corps, Air Force, and law enforcement, including his role as Deputy Chief of Police, Duane provides a wealth of knowledge on the transition from military service to civilian success.
Duane shares his personal journey, from his groundbreaking work on the first biometric fingerprint identification system in the Air Force to leading as Chief of Police for the U.S. Navy. After retiring, he discovered the life-changing DRI scholarship program, which helped him gain essential certifications in business continuity, continuity of operations, and disaster preparedness—paving the way for a thriving corporate career.
In this episode, Duane delves into the practical and transformative benefits of the DRI scholarship, a program designed to support veterans within three years of separation or one year before separation. He highlights the application process, eligibility criteria, and the value of in-person learning experiences offered through DRI programs. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and building skills that are directly transferable to the civilian workforce.
🎧 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Duane’s unique insights into transitioning from the military to civilian life.
- The pivotal role of the DRI scholarship in acquiring certifications and securing a corporate career.
- Step-by-step guidance on applying for the DRI scholarship, including essay tips and volunteer activity requirements.
- Why in-person learning often outshines online courses in professional development.
- Advice for veterans on leveraging mentorship and support networks like VET S.O.S.
Actionable Insights:
- Learn how certifications in disaster recovery and business continuity can enhance your career prospects.
- Discover the importance of starting your transition early and preparing for civilian opportunities.
- Explore resources like VET S.O.S. for additional guidance and support.
Why Listen?
Whether you’re a veteran planning your next career move or someone seeking to understand the challenges of military-to-civilian transitions, this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspirational stories, and valuable resources. Duane’s firsthand experiences and passion for supporting veterans make this a must-listen for anyone navigating this critical phase of life.
Join us to uncover how the DRI scholarship and its programs can serve as a lifeline for veterans stepping into new professional territories. Don’t miss this empowering and informative conversation! https://drii.org/ https://foundation.drii.org/what-we-do/veterans-outreach-program/ #vetsos #VeteranTransition #DRIScholarship #DisasterRecovery #BusinessContinuity #VetSupport

In this insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, Shawn Welsh, a proud alumnus of the University of West Florida (UWF), and Dr. Hira engage in a heartfelt conversation with Lori Milkeris, the Director of UWF’s Military and Veteran Resource Center. Lori, an Air Force veteran and mental health technician, shares her compelling journey from military service to her impactful role in higher education.
Lori recounts her transition out of the Air Force in 1998, reflecting on the challenges of reentering civilian life, navigating education as a single mother, and overcoming the mental and emotional adjustments required. These experiences laid the foundation for her passion to help others. Starting as a VA work-study student, Lori identified gaps in support for military-connected students, particularly those facing academic and emotional challenges. Her commitment to early intervention and holistic support propelled her career, eventually leading to her role as director.
The Military and Veteran Resource Center at UWF serves over 2,500 military-connected students, with 1,800 actively using VA educational benefits. Lori shares how the center fosters a community of support through initiatives like a swim team mentorship program, semester checkpoints, and the Pensacola Veteran Support Organization Network, which connects students to a wealth of resources via a comprehensive 58-page guide.
Listeners will learn about the center’s welcoming environment, complete with essential services like snacks, coffee, computers, and printing, as well as its dedication to organizing events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances that build camaraderie and connection. Lori also emphasizes the significance of Pensacola’s military-rich community, home to five nearby bases, and how it enhances opportunities for veterans.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence and community in supporting veterans’ transitions to academic and civilian life. Lori’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the success of military-connected individuals.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative impact of veteran support programs at UWF and beyond. Tune in now! https://uwf.edu/ https://uwf.edu/academic-affairs/departments/military-veteran-resource-center/ #vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryTransition #UWFVeterans #HolisticSupport

In this inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Patricia Wei, the Director of Veteran Outreach at Yale University, to discuss the transformative integration of military veterans into the world of higher education. Patricia shares how Yale has cultivated an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, with a growing presence of 46 enlisted veterans in its undergraduate community and 130 veterans in its graduate programs, amidst a total student population of around 13,000.
Patricia dives into her personal journey of working with veterans, starting as the Director of Admissions for Yale’s Eli Whitney Students Program, which is tailored for non-traditional students. She highlights how the program has evolved to support veterans with unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, emphasizing their significant contributions to Yale's academic and social fabric.
The conversation also explores the wealth of resources Yale offers veterans, including the Yale Undergraduate Veteran Society, the Student Veterans Council, and a brand-new veterans’ lounge. Patricia discusses Yale's partnerships with organizations like Service to School and Warriors Scholar Project, which provide guidance and preparation for veterans navigating the application process. She stresses the importance of veterans not self-selecting out of applying to prestigious institutions, sharing actionable advice on academic readiness, such as leveraging community college courses to demonstrate recent educational performance.
Listeners will also gain insight into how Yale fosters a sense of community for veterans through initiatives like the Fall Welcome barbecue, Veterans Day ceremonies, and other events organized by dedicated staff members. Patricia sheds light on the comprehensive support system that includes tailored advising, flexible programming, and facilities designed to ease the transition to college life for veterans balancing family and work responsibilities.
Addressing misconceptions about veterans in Ivy League institutions, Patricia and Shawn discuss Yale’s proactive efforts to champion multi-generational diversity and foster a culture where veterans' life experiences enrich the broader student body. The episode wraps up with an encouraging message for veterans considering higher education and a reminder of the immense value they bring to academic institutions like Yale.
Whether you're a veteran contemplating your next step or simply interested in understanding how universities can better support non-traditional students, this episode is packed with actionable advice, insights, and inspiration. https://www.yale.edu/ https://admissions.yale.edu/veterans #vetsos ##VeteransInEducation #YaleUniversity #MilitaryToCollege #HigherEducationSupport #VeteranSuccess

In this impactful episode of the VERS podcast, we feature Daniel Avegalio, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in higher education, as he shares his journey from military service to community college administration and his current role at Western Governors University (WGU). With 16 years of experience advocating for military-affiliated students, Daniel’s insights are both inspiring and practical.
Daniel’s Story: From the Corps to Higher Ed Leadership
After serving in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2010 and completing three deployments to Iraq, Daniel faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. His determination led him to a student worker role at American River College, where he discovered a passion for supporting veteran students. Over time, Daniel advanced to becoming a college dean, leveraging his leadership skills to implement veteran-focused initiatives.
Western Governors University: A Haven for Military-Affiliated Learners
Now a key leader at WGU, Daniel works with the university’s growing population of 29,781 military-affiliated students (as of October 2023). WGU stands out for its competency-based education (CBE) model, enabling students to earn degrees at their own pace by demonstrating subject mastery. This flexible approach aligns perfectly with the needs of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and working adults balancing education with other commitments.
WGU’s Support Systems and Initiatives
Daniel highlights WGU’s comprehensive support network, designed to help students and alumni succeed at every stage:
- Program Mentors: Dedicated advisors guiding students through academic and career goals.
- Career Services for Life: A lifetime resource offering resume assistance, interview prep, and job placement. - Peer Networks: Peer-to-peer support groups foster connections among military-affiliated students.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the Naval Community College and the VA expand educational opportunities in cybersecurity, health sciences, and more.
Championing Veteran Success Daniel reflects on the challenges military students face, from identity shifts to balancing educational and personal responsibilities. His mission is clear: to ensure veterans have access to the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. His work at WGU includes building partnerships with employers, hosting career webinars for military spouses, and mentoring other institutions to replicate WGU’s success.
WGU Alumni: A Lifelong Community
With over 360,000 alumni nationwide, WGU fosters ongoing engagement through career development initiatives, employer partnerships, and networking opportunities. Military-affiliated alumni comprise 16% of the student body, demonstrating WGU’s strong commitment to this community.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a must-listen for veterans, military families, and higher education professionals seeking innovative approaches to education and career success. Discover how WGU’s competency-based model and veteran-centric strategies are transforming lives and paving pathways to meaningful careers.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Daniel’s transition from Marine Corps service to higher education leadership.
- WGU’s innovative competency-based education model.
- Comprehensive support systems for military-affiliated students.
- Building sustainable partnerships with employers and veteran organizations.
- Lifelong career services and alumni engagement at WGU.
https://www.wgu.edu/ https://www.wgu.edu/student-experience/military.html #vetsos #VeteranEducation #MilitaryToCivilian #HigherEducation #CompetencyBasedLearning #WesternGovernorsUniversity

Monteigne Long detailed her transition from K-12 education to higher education and her steadfast dedication to supporting student veterans. With over 14 years of experience in veteran services, Long has played a pivotal role in developing comprehensive programs and initiatives that benefit military-connected students across the Texas A&M University System, encompassing 10 campuses and serving more than 12,000 military-affiliated students.
Her experience working with veterans and military families includes her tenure at the University of Southern California and her current role at Texas A&M University. Her focus has always been on fostering engagement, leadership, and success among student veterans.
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest in the nation, with over 150,000 students across 11 campuses, including a mix of research universities, regional institutions, and historically black colleges and universities. The system serves more than 12,000 military-connected students, with about 1,100 veterans at the main College Station campus. Its long history of military service includes strong partnerships with state agencies such as FEMA and a commitment to serving veterans and their families.
Key initiatives include the Veteran Promise Program, which guarantees future educational opportunities for veterans, and the Meals for Vets program that provides food security.
Each campus features a dedicated Veterans Center, staffed to address the specific needs of military-affiliated students. Programs like first-year seminars for veterans and Veteran Upward Bound at Texas A&M Kingsville help ease the transition to higher education.
Monteigne emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission and Wounded Warrior Project to provide comprehensive support.
Collaboration with military installations and state agencies ensures seamless transitions from service to education. Strategic admissions advisors work closely with military personnel, helping them navigate their academic journey from enlistment to graduation.
Monteigne highlighted the transformative impact of the Hazelwood Act, a Texas benefit that waives tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents, making education more accessible.
This benefit plays a vital role in attracting and supporting military families within the state.
Innovative Tools for Accessibility An interactive map on the Texas A&M University System website helps prospective students identify and connect with resources at the campus of their choice.
Accessibility to services and streamlined communication among the campuses ensures a cohesive support system.
The Texas A&M University System promotes a veteran-inclusive culture through its core values of leadership, loyalty, and selfless service. Each campus tailors its support to reflect its unique strengths while maintaining strong collaboration across the system. Monteigne underscored the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community for student veterans, helping them achieve academic and personal success.
Actionable Items:
- Enhance the interactive campus map to improve accessibility for prospective and current students.
- Expand successful veteran-focused initiatives, such as Veteran Upward Bound, to additional campuses.
- Continue strengthening the veteran-inclusive culture across all campuses by leveraging Texas A&M’s rich military heritage and values. https://www.tamu.edu/index.html https://www.tamu.edu/veterans/index.html

#vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryFamilies #TexasAMUniversity #StudentSuccess