As a former Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, where I served as a Personnel Specialist, transitioning into human resources leadership at Monroe Community College (MCC) has allowed me to continue serving others in a meaningful way. What drew me to MCC was the institution's mission-driven culture and its commitment to community.

At MCC, service is more than a value - it is part of our institutional identity. Located in Rochester, New York, MCC has a long-standing commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families as students and as employees. As we continue to expand our outreach through HigherEdMilitary, we are proud to share how military experience translates into meaningful careers on our campus.

MCC has maintained a dedicated Veteran Services office since 2011, providing comprehensive support to military-connected students transitioning to higher education. Over the past 15 years, the college has invested in infrastructure, professional development, and community partnerships designed to serve those who have served.

MCC military-affiliated campus culture includes: an active student Veteran Club; an annual Veterans Day Ceremony and other military-affiliated events; and the award-winning STARS (Supporting Transitioning and Returning Service members) professional development training program; strong partnerships with regional veteran-serving organizations.

"I was motivated to work at Monroe Community College because of its strong commitment to supporting veterans and military families in higher education. MCC doesn't just talk about support, it invests in it. What keeps me here is the ability to make a difference in the lives of transitioning service members every day. The college has empowered me to engage with regional and national veteran organizations, and that support reinforces that MCC values both my military experience and my professional expertise," shares Eric Wheeler, MPA, MA, United States Army and Navy Veteran, Associate Director & Adjunct Professor, Veteran Services, Monroe Community College.

Check out all of Monroe Community College's career opportunities.

While much of our structured programming has historically focused on student-veterans, military-affiliated faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to participate in campus events and initiatives. MCC is actively exploring opportunities to formalize additional support structures, including potential affinity groups, for military-affiliated employees.

Authenticity matters. We are proud of what we have built and intentional about what we are continuing to develop.

Working here gives me a platform to champion inclusive policies, support colleagues from all backgrounds, and ensure that our HR practices recognize the value of military experience. What keeps me motivated every day is seeing how military-affiliated professionals, whether veterans, spouses, or reservists, bring their unique strengths to our workforce and help make MCC a place of purpose and impact.

Monroe Community College employs approximately 25 self-identified military-affiliated individuals across a variety of departments, including:

• Veteran Services
• Public Safety
• Academic Affairs
• Administrative Services
• Facilities and Operations
• Student Services
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our military-affiliated employees include both veterans and military spouses. Their backgrounds span multiple branches of service and military occupational specialties, bringing leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and mission-driven focus to our institution.

MCC understands that military service often involves transitions, deployments, and family mobility. As a SUNY system community college, we offer a strong employment value proposition that supports stability and work-life balance.

Military-affiliated Employees at MCC Benefit From:

• Military leave protections consistent with federal and New York State law (including leave for active duty and Guard/Reserve training)
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• Paid holidays
• Tuition benefits for employees and tuition discounts or SUNY-wide options for eligible dependents
• Retirement plan options through NYS retirement systems
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities

For military families seeking stability after transition from active duty, MCC provides predictable schedules, a supportive community environment, and meaningful public service work.

Military experience aligns exceptionally well with careers in higher education.

Veterans bring:

• Veterans bring:
• Leadership under pressure
• Operational planning expertise
• Strong communication skills
• Accountability and integrity
• Team-oriented mindset

At MCC, these strengths translate into impact across academic administration, public safety, facilities management, IT, workforce development, compliance, and student support. Our institution values mission-driven professionals. Veterans understand mission.

MCC's collaborative culture, commitment to diversity and belonging, and emphasis on community impact create an environment where military-affiliated professionals can continue serving - this time in service to education and community advancement.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Women Veterans Working as a Veteran in HigherEd Workplace Inclusion

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