As a researcher and educator, I stepped into the Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NATCON) for the first time this year, unsure of what to expect. Conferences, after all, can be predictable—panels, keynote speeches, hurried coffee breaks. But NATCON was different. It wasn’t just a conference; it was a movement—a living, breathing space where student veterans, scholars, and advocates gathered not only to exchange ideas but to push the boundaries of what’s possible for military-affiliated students in higher education. Thanks to the visionary leadership of SVA’s CEO, Jared Lyon, and the dedicated efforts of his team, NATCON became an experience that left a lasting impact on everyone who attended, inspiring action, connection, and progress for military-affiliated students.

A Space for Inspiration and Connection

There’s something powerful about hearing stories of resilience firsthand. SFC Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, and MSgt. Israel Del Toro stood before an audience of thousands, sharing their journeys—not just stories of service, but of perseverance, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to those who would follow in their footsteps. These weren’t just speeches; they were powerful reminders of why spaces like NATCON matter.

Beyond the high-profile keynotes, the true energy of NATCON came from the conversations happening at every turn. One of the most memorable moments came during a lunch with SVA chapter leaders and students from Loyola University Chicago, where they shared a story that highlighted their commitment to real change. They told me about a fellow student veteran who had faced challenges securing accommodations for a classified deployment. She struggled to find campus resources that could meet her needs without disclosing mission details or dates. Rather than just voicing concerns, they took action.

They lobbied their university to create a military leave policy for reservists and National Guard members. Loyola now has a policy that protects students who are members of the Reserves or National Guard from unexcused absences due to military duties, covering military deployment, annual training, ROTC activities, and civilian deployments in support of federal operations. Policies like this ensure that military-affiliated students can fulfill their academic responsibilities while meeting their service obligations, fostering a supportive and understanding environment for their success.

In response to challenges like the deployment issue, Loyola also developed the Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) to further strengthen support for this population. The council brings together key campus stakeholders to collaboratively address student veterans' needs and ensure their success. Formed in Fall 2024, the VAC provides guidance to the Military Veteran Student Services (MVSS) office on policy development and advocates on behalf of student veterans. It includes representatives from various campus departments, such as alumni services, career services, financial services, graduate and professional enrollment, the provost's office, the registrar, the student accessibility center, the tutoring center, and undergraduate admissions. Their collective efforts aim to implement solutions that will benefit military-affiliated students for generations. Initiatives like these create a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to addressing the unique needs of military-affiliated students, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for long-term academic and personal success.

Strengthening the Veteran Studies Community

For those of us in research, NATCON was more than just a conference—it was a call to action. My colleague, Dr. Bryon Garner, attending as Vice President of the Veteran Studies Association (VSA), described it as a “bridge-building moment.” VSA and SVA are natural allies, yet their paths don’t cross often enough. But at NATCON, that changed in meaningful ways.

Dr. Garner’s words came to life during a particularly powerful exchange between VSA representatives and student veterans from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This conversation, led by the director of student services and the Howard University SVA chapter, focused on the unique challenges faced by student veterans at HBCUs—offering perspectives that are often missing from mainstream veteran studies discussions. It was a valuable reminder that truly understanding the military-affiliated student experience requires ongoing efforts from VSA and SVA to broaden narratives within existing scholarship, ensuring all veteran experiences are represented.

Research panels also stood out, with scholars from VSA presenting on topics ranging from veterans' workforce transitions to the power of big data in tracking educational and career outcomes. The room crackled with energy—not just because of the ideas being shared, but because of the collective realization that veteran studies isn’t just growing; it’s evolving.

The Power of Networking and Shared Experiences

Even outside the sessions, NATCON fostered connection. Meals were seamlessly integrated into the experience, turning breakfast into brainstorming sessions and dinner into deep discussions on policy, research, and advocacy. Every moment felt intentional, as if the conference planners recognized that some of the best ideas emerge not just on stage, but during meaningful conversations over lunch.

Leaving Colorado Springs, I felt something unexpected—a renewed energy and focus. Attending NATCON reinforced why research and advocacy for military-affiliated students matter and why these conversations must continue. Whether you're a student veteran, researcher, or advocate, it offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions that drive real change.

The Value of Having an SVA Chapter on Campus

SVA chapters aren’t just student organizations; they’re transformative forces within universities. They provide community, advocate for policy changes, contribute to leadership development, and make campuses more inclusive for military-affiliated students.

How you can support your SVA chapter:

Universities, faculty, and administrators play a vital role in helping these chapters thrive by providing the necessary resources, fostering an inclusive environment, and actively engaging with student veterans to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

1. Administrative Support
• Provide dedicated meeting space.
• Ensure representation on key university committees.
• Build partnerships between SVA and campus offices (career services, advising, counseling).
2. Faculty and Staff Engagement
• Act as faculty advisors or mentors.
• Incorporate discussions on military-affiliated students into professional development training.
• Invite SVA leaders to speak in classrooms.
3. Financial and Institutional Investment
• Offer grant funding for student veterans to attend conferences like NATCON.
• Provide work-study opportunities in veteran resource centers.
• Create emergency funding for military-affiliated students in financial distress.
4. Raising Awareness
• Promote SVA events through campus-wide communications.
• Recognize student veterans through awards and graduation cords.
• Encourage collaboration between SVA and other student organizations.

Help Student Veterans Attend NATCON 2026

NATCON changes lives, but financial barriers keep many student veterans from attending. Here’s how you can support your campus’ SVA Chapter:

• Support SVA Chapter Fundraising – Spread the word, donate, or organize a fundraiser.
• Make Fundraising More Visible – Promote efforts in classrooms, student centers, and campus communications.
• Partner with Local Businesses and Alumni – Seek sponsorships and alumni support.
• Advocate for University Funding – Push for institutional travel grants to support student veterans.

Supporting student veterans isn’t just about offering services—it’s about providing opportunities to lead, advocate, and shape the future. NATCON is one of those opportunities. By strengthening SVA chapters and ensuring more student veterans can attend, you’re investing in a future where military-affiliated students don’t just navigate higher education—they transform it.

Article Topics

Military Focused Events Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Women Veterans Workplace Inclusion

Republish this article for free. We want to make it easier for you to share knowledge and creativity, and encourage you to reuse our articles under a Creative Commons license.