Colleges and universities offer a variety of job opportunities that welcome veteran applicants. Institutions aim to fill their open roles with individuals that possess the unique capabilities that veterans bring to the workplace. However, many veterans are curious which jobs and roles fit their strengths and capabilities within higher education. The short answer is "many". Some jobs require specific qualifications, while others do not. Job descriptions provide the key details in what a specific job is looking for and can be a window into what capabilities a veteran can provide any particular department.

This series will highlight veterans who currently work at higher education institutions across the country and how they feel about their various civilian roles. Each individual brings a different set of skills to their job, drawing from vast experiences and varying periods of time as a veteran. One thing they all have in common is their love for working in higher education and what value it brings to their personal and professional lives, as well as what they add to the veteran community within their college or university. Stay tuned for more featured veterans working in higher ed!

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is currently working as Prince Family Director, Office of Veterans and Military Service Members at Villanova University. Mike served in the Army infantry in Germany and Texas, was the director of Military and Veteran Affairs as a Congressional Staffer, and eventually moved to work at a community college before joining Villanova University in 2018. Mike states that working at Villanova University provides him the opportunity to work with student veterans, and other military-connected students daily. He has experience as a student of higher education, and uses his dedication and knowledge to mentor, coach, and advocate for the veterans he serves through his occupation. As a professional in higher education, Mike prioritizes the value of veterans both within and outside of the university landscape, especially the enlisted ranks where he served. He focuses on bringing his philosophy that emphasizes creativity, networking, relationships, and more to the forefront when working with student veterans.

Steven Barber

Steven Barber is a business instructor, tenure track, at Eastern Florida State College. Steven served in the US Army, retiring as an E-8/MSG after over 20 years of service. Following retirement from the Army, Steven began working in the student services department as an academic advisor, eventually moving to a teaching role. He states that working in higher education, "is an opportunity to continue serving others and give back to the local community." Eastern Florida State College provides Steven the platform to inspire students to believe in and pursue their biggest dreams, just as his own college professors and professionals provided when he was a student. He wholeheartedly encourages military-affiliated and veteran community members who are interested in pursuing a career in higher education, to "go for it," as it is a satisfying career choice that can benefit you while you provide benefits to others.

Nick Lanier

Nick Lanier is the director, Center for Veteran and Military Family Services at Regis College. He is a retired US Army veteran. Following retirement, Nick began working in higher education and oversees the programs and support provided to military-connected students, faculty, and staff. As a former student veteran, Nick uses his experience and knowledge to help fellow veterans achieve their academic and professional goals. Regis College provides Nick the opportunity to serve student veterans by developing and overseeing programs that highlight veterans and their experiences. He states that one of the most valuable aspects of higher education is the campus' ability to be a place where people come together to understand and discuss experiences, and being a part of that dynamic keeps him excited and engaged in his craft.

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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