As military spouses consider careers that are accessible and transportable, colleges and universities may offer a solid pathway. We know that military spouses consistently face unique challenges that impact their ability to sustain careers. In an earlier feature, Navigating a Career in Higher Education: The Voices of Military Spouses, military spouses shared their stories of how they were able to attain better pay, more resources, and increased potential to develop skills and credentials by working in higher education.

Even more, with many military spouses taking advantage of educational opportunities and becoming degreed and certified professionals, their advanced knowledge and abilities position them well to seek senior leadership higher education positions. While progressing through their career, military spouses can build applicable skills in operations, administration, academics, and more at colleges and universities to create well-rounded experiences.

For military spouses pursuing leadership roles in higher education, we speak with Destiny McNair, Director of Voice & UX Research, at the University of Maryland Global Campus. She shares her professional journey and how the higher education space has propelled her into a purposeful career as a leader.

How has being a military spouse shaped your leadership style in higher education?

Destiny McNair, University of Maryland Global Campus: Being a military spouse has taught me adaptability, empathy, and the importance of building meaningful connections—skills that are essential in higher education. Moving 22 times and living in diverse communities equipped me to lead with flexibility and tailor my support to meet the needs of individuals from all walks of life. Military spouses excel in environments where collaboration, quick problem-solving, and cultural awareness are key, making us valuable leaders in education. The military also opened educational doors for me. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to use my spouse's Post-9/11 GI Bill® to complete my master's degree, and I am now just over two years away from graduating with my doctorate in higher education policy and administration.

What do you wish higher education institutions understood better about military spouses?

McNair: Military spouses bring perseverance, versatility, and a unique ability to thrive in dynamic environments, which are critical skills in education. We’ve honed problem-solving, project management, and emotional intelligence through years of navigating constant change. By hiring military spouses, institutions gain professionals who can quickly adapt to shifting priorities, connect with diverse populations, and bring fresh perspectives to their teams.

Looking back, what’s one thing you’ve learned from military life that helped you solve a problem or innovate a different solution?

McNair: Military life taught me how to build trust and human connections quickly, a skill that’s invaluable in education. Whether supporting students or collaborating with colleagues, this ability fosters understanding and creates innovative, tailored solutions. Military spouses often excel in workforce environments where interpersonal connections and creative problem-solving are critical. I believe that military spouses are among the most resilient people in our country.

What advice would you give to military spouses aspiring to leadership roles in higher education?

McNair: Recognize and lean into the value your experiences bring to education. Military spouses are natural leaders who thrive in changing environments, making us uniquely suited for higher education roles. Utilize volunteering, consulting, spouse clubs, and other opportunities to enhance your resume and demonstrate your skills in resilience, adaptability, change management, and leadership. Never pass up a chance to build on your resume, as many military spouses face uncertain career transitions due to the military lifestyle.

What legacy do you hope to leave in higher education?

McNair: I hope to empower students, particularly those who are military-connected, to dream big and achieve their goals, while advocating for military spouses as a vital part of the workforce. Military spouses bring empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives from frequent moves around the world, which benefits students and colleagues. I don't want a legacy to be about me as much as I hope to be a small part of people's life journey by helping them succeed in achieving their life goals.

Reflections

The military spouse lifestyle lends to adaptability, empathy, and leadership skills that nicely pair with higher education. In this interview, Destiny McNair, who moved frequently and lived in diverse communities, emphasizes how these experiences strengthened her ability to lead with flexibility, problem-solving, resilience, and cultural awareness.

She also encourages colleges and universities to recognize the unique qualities military spouses bring, including how hiring military spouses benefits institutions by adding versatile professionals who thrive in dynamic environments. Drawing from her own educational journey, where she earned her master’s, she shares how the academic environment allows her to pursue her doctorate in higher education policy. McNair advises other military spouses to embrace their transferable skills, seek volunteer and consulting opportunities, and build strong professional resume portfolios.

Military spouses, like McNair, empower others in the military-connected community to achieve their goals and recognize the value of military spouses as valuable contributors to the higher education workforce.

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.