Join us for an insightful conversation with William Elfering, Director of the Holcomb Center for Military and Veteran Resources at Oregon State University. With over two decades of military experience and a deep understanding of student veteran needs, Willie shares how OSU creates a welcoming, inclusive, and resource-rich environment for military-connected students.

We explore:

• Willie’s transition journey from the Oregon Army National Guard

• The creation and growth of the Holcomb Center

• Events, student leadership programs, and community partnerships

• Mental health and wellness support, including veteran-specific retreats

• The vital role of cultural representation within veteran services

Whether you're a veteran considering college or a professional supporting military-affiliated learners, this episode highlights best practices in Veteran Support in Higher Education.

🎓 Explore OSU’s resources: veterans.oregonstate.edu
📌 Follow VET S.O.S. for more interviews and guidance for your transition journey.

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #HigherEducation #StudentVeterans #OregonState #VETSOS #MilitaryConnectedStudents #VeteranWellness #VeteranResources #VeteranLeadership

Join hosts Dr. Hira and Shawn Welsh on the Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight as they speak with Mike Carrell, COO of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF). Discover how NVLF partners with over 75 colleges and universities to enhance the campus experience for veterans, military members, and their families.

Mike shares lessons from his rapid military-to-civilian transition and his impactful work building Ohio State’s top-ranked veterans program. Learn how NVLF supports leadership development through the Military Community Advocate program, student fellowships, and partnerships like OPLIGN—connecting veterans with over half a million job opportunities.

🎙 Whether you’re a student vet or work in veteran services, this episode delivers actionable strategies to build inclusive, mission-driven campuses for military-connected learners.

🔗 Visit www.vetsospodcast.com for more episodes and resources.

#VeteranEducation #MilitaryToCollege #VeteranLeadership #StudentVeterans #HigherEdSupport #VETSOS #MilitaryConnectedStudents #CareerTransition #NVLF #VeteranFellowships #OplineJobs

In this value-packed episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, we welcome Jai Salters, founder of ACT Now Education, to discuss FREE, high-impact certifications and professional development tools for the military-connected community.

Jai takes us through a comprehensive overview of trusted, no-cost programs offering certifications in PMP, Scrum, Sec+, SHRM-CP, AWS, ITIL, and more. Learn about opportunities from Per Scholas, Empower, Purdue University, ServiceNow, VetsinTech, and even $25,000+ scholarships from SANS Cyber Workforce Academy.

Whether you're an active duty member, transitioning veteran, spouse, or dependent, this episode equips you with the resources to move the needle in your civilian career—without the debt.

🎧 Subscribe and follow us on all major platforms and social media: @vetsospodcast

#VeteranEducation #MilitaryCareers #FreeTraining #CyberCertifications #ACTNowEducation #CareerReadiness #MilitarySpouseCareers #TransitionSupport #SkillBridgePrograms #VETSOS

On this episode of VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, hosts Dr. Hira and Shawn Welsh talk with Charles Yakubow, Director of Military and Family Support at Glenville State University. With over 22 years of experience as a social worker and a lifelong connection to military life, Charles discusses the unique support systems Glenville offers to both service members and their families.

Discover how Glenville's small class sizes, veteran-friendly policies, and articulation agreements with law enforcement training programs create a deeply supportive educational environment. Charles also talks candidly about assisting students in financial distress, the evolving role of on-campus veteran lounges, and the importance of serving the entire military-connected family—not just the service member.

Whether you're a veteran, dependent, or just seeking guidance on navigating higher education, Charles offers resources and a helping hand to all.

🔍 For more info, visit glenville.edu and check the Military and Family Support page under Admissions.
#MilitarySupport #VeteranEducation #StudentVeterans #GlenvilleState #MilitaryFamily #GIbillHelp #HigherEdSupport #VeteranResources #VetFriendlyCampus #VETSOS

Veteran education is more than a classroom experience—it’s a journey of identity, resilience, and growth. In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, we feature Kiran Mistry, Assistant Director of the UCLA Veteran Resource Center, who shares how UCLA is reshaping the future for veterans and military-connected students in higher education.

Kiran’s inspiring path—from a career in collegiate volleyball coaching to leading one of the most impactful veteran support programs in the UC system—is a masterclass in following your passion while serving others. He offers candid insights into what it takes to create meaningful veteran education programs, from peer mentorship and career pathways to supporting graduate-level veterans and bridging service gaps often overlooked by traditional systems.

This episode dives deep into UCLA’s innovative strategies for empowering veterans: how students are running their own programming, how community college outreach is expanding access, and how real stories from real students are breaking barriers through digital storytelling.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What makes UCLA’s Veteran Resource Center stand out

• How graduate and professional school applicants are being supported

• How peer-led programs foster community and academic excellence

• Tips for veterans researching schools and maximizing their benefits

• Stories of student success and perseverance in the face of adversity

If you're a transitioning service member, military spouse, or dependent planning your next educational move, this conversation will give you tools, hope, and direction. Listen, follow, and share the lifeline.

🔗 Find us online:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Socials: @vetsospodcast on all platforms

#VeteranEducation #MilitaryToCollege #UCLA #StudentVeterans #VETERANSUCCESS #VeteranSupport #TransitionTips #MilitarySpouseResources #VETSOS #HigherEdForVets

🎧 You’re listening to VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, where we shine a light on powerful tools and career paths that help veterans and military families thrive during and after service.

In this episode, we talk with Monika Sziron, Assistant Director of Editorial Strategy at HigherEdMilitary, about a game-changing opportunity for those transitioning from military to civilian life: careers in higher education for veterans.

🛠️ HigherEdMilitary is redefining what it means to work in academia. It’s not just about being a professor. There are roles in cybersecurity, HR, finance, IT, student services, public safety, and more—all fields where veterans' unique skills and experience are not just valued, but in demand.

🔍 This episode covers:

• How HigherEdMilitary connects veterans to roles in higher education institutions nationwide

• The importance of supporting professionals who serve student veterans

• The evolution of HigherEdMilitary from a simple job board to a national support network

• Free job listings, writing opportunities, virtual events, and mentorship programs

• How fellowships open doors for student veterans and military spouses

🎓 Whether you're looking for a career pivot, planning your transition, or exploring ways to contribute to a mission-driven environment—this episode is your lifeline to purpose and opportunity.

🧭 Key Links & Contacts:
🌐 Learn more and search job opportunities: higheredmilitary.com
📧 Submit ideas or articles: content@higheredmilitary.com

🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on Spotify and follow us across social platforms to stay connected:

• YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast

• Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast

• Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast

• X (Twitter): x.com/vetsospodcast

• TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

🛟 Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
#MilitaryTransition #VeteranJobs #HigherEducationCareers #MilitarySpouseSupport #VeteranSuccess #TransitionSupport #HigherEdCommunity #VeteransInAcademia #FellowshipOpportunity #VETSOS

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Dr. Trisha Nicole Ruiz, U.S. Army veteran and the founding Senior Director of Veteran Services at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Ruiz shares her powerful story of transition from military to college life, including the challenges of navigating a major Texas university with a young child and no roadmap. That experience inspired her to build what she calls “the kind of support system I wish I had”—a robust, veteran-first program now helping students thrive at every stage of their academic journey.

Listeners will get an inside look at how the University of St. Thomas is setting a new national standard for veteran support in higher education. From veteran-specific orientation programs and personalized success coaching to a stand-alone Veteran Success Center with tech labs, nap rooms, and real-time GI Bill assistance—this is higher ed reimagined for the military-connected community.

🎧 Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on Spotify to explore more conversations with thought leaders and changemakers in veteran education.
🔗 Learn more at: vetsospodcast.com

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #HoustonVeterans #StudentVeterans #GIbillSupport #VeteranSuccess #HigherEdForVets #VETSOS #UniversityOfStThomas #MilitaryFriendlySchool

In this powerful edition of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, we talk with Mike Lorenz, Air National Guard veteran and Director of Military and Veteran Support at Boston College. With over a decade of military service and nearly two decades in higher education, Mike brings unmatched insight into what truly supports veterans through transition.

Mike shares his personal transition story—returning from Afghanistan only to find himself in student meetings just days later. The emotional dissonance and lack of awareness from those around him serve as a powerful reminder of how difficult transition can be, especially for Guard and Reserve members.

At Boston College, Mike now leads a veteran support system focused on mission, mentorship, and flexibility. From football game tailgates and a dedicated lounge space to engaging alumni, faculty vets, and even law school support groups—BC is committed to meeting veterans where they are.

Tune in to learn how Boston College veterans are empowered to grow personally and professionally in a community built on purpose.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and explore your own next step in higher ed.

#BostonCollegeVeterans #MilitaryTransitionSupport #VeteransInCollege #GIbillResources #StudentVeterans #VeteranCommunity #VeteranFriendlyColleges #MissionDrivenEducation #HigherEdForVets #VETSOS