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Article Type

Professional Proficiency

Article Abstract

Related Issue:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spends nearly $12 billion annually on education benefits (VA, 2016). Veterans are showing up on campus in ever increasing numbers. While recruiting veterans makes sense from an enrollment management perspective, as most veterans come to campus with financial aid, how well prepared is higher education to receive them? Given the investment the government, taxpayers, and individual veterans are making, colleges and universities would be well served to understand these students. This article explores how veterans have changed the landscape of higher education, delves into the culture of the military and its impact on veterans, examines the challenges many veterans face as they transition out of the military, and concludes with a discussion of ways in which higher education institutions might thoughtfully and intentionally assist veterans’ transition into life as successful college students.

Author(s)

Barbara Bell is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. She is currently transitioning her leadership skills into higher education with a focus on broader access and greater success for underserved students, including veterans. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she is a 28-year Navy veteran and retired Navy Captain.

References

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