Dartmouth has long been a place where military service, education, and community intersect. From its earliest days to its modern workforce and student body, the institution continues to honor and support those who serve.

A 175+ Year Military Heritage at Dartmouth

Dartmouth's long standing military heritage - From a cavalry company that answered Lincoln's call in 1862, to the WWII V 12 Navy program, to President Emeritus James Wright (the only Marine Corps Ivy League president) who helped launch the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, Dartmouth has been intertwined with the U.S. armed forces for more than 175 years. Silent tributes to alumni who served in every conflict line the campus, reinforcing a visible culture of respect.

Veterans in the Dartmouth Workforce

Dartmouth currently has more than 130 employees who have self-identified as veterans-and that figure only includes those who have disclosed their status, so the true number is likely higher. Veterans are represented in virtually every area of the institution: administration, information technology, faculty and research positions, public safety, dining services, the library, student affairs, and many other functions.

The largest concentration of veteran staff is in facility operations, playing a key role in maintaining the campus's buildings, grounds, and the extensive housing portfolio. In addition, veterans also serve in administrative director roles, underscoring the presence of veteran leadership at senior levels.

Jason Mosel, Network Engineer - U.S. Marine Corps (Sergeant)

"I love that no day is the same. There is a new challenge each day and you have to figure it out. At Dartmouth I'm given the autonomy to solve the problem at hand, and the freedom to fail and learn-just like in the Marines where we're trained to shift and pivot.

I love the walkable campus, the monthly veteran coffee meet ups, and the November mountain retreat that let us 'listen to the woods' and recharge. The VERN community, plus volunteer days that let me work with local groups like Veterans On the 48 and the Josh Pallotta Fund, keep me connected to service beyond the office."

Veterans Employee Resource Network (VERN)

The Veterans Employee Resource Network (VERN) brings veterans, active duty service members, military spouses, and family members together. Some activities organized by VERN and Dartmouth are:

• Monthly social meetings over coffee in the mornings
• Annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances that involve the whole Dartmouth community
• Structured meet and greet networking events, professional development workshops, and wellness retreats
• Family oriented activities, community service projects and mentorship programs

All military affiliated employees-veterans, active duty or reserve service members, spouses, and family members-are welcomed into VERN.

Strong Community Connections in the Upper Valley

The local towns host a wealth of veteran-focused resources (American Legion Post 22, VFW Post 9552, Veterans on the 48, the Josh Pallotta Fund, Veteran Ventures, White River Junction VA Medical Center, Vet Center, etc.). A veteran owned diner runs monthly breakfasts that further knit together the regional veteran community.

Lifestyle and Environment That Support Well-Being

The Upper Valley's extensive trail system, world-class rivers, and proximity to Mount Washington provide veterans with outdoor outlets that support mental and physical well-being, fostering camaraderie beyond the workplace.

Military-Friendly Employment Benefits

Military leave - Full pay for up to 10 days of annual military leave; additional pay bridging any gap is provided if active duty extends beyond that period. Job, seniority, and benefits are fully protected while on leave. Health insurance remains active for up to 24 months during military leave.

• Tuition & education support - Dartmouth participates in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, removing financial barriers for veteran students.
• Well-being resources:
• Free annual membership to all campus athletic facilities and gyms.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling, legal/financial guidance, work life assistance).
• 24/7 Veteran Support Line provided by Cigna Healthcare (available to veterans, caregivers, and families, regardless of insurance status).
• Free access for up to five household members to Headspace, the meditation and mindfulness app.

These benefits make Dartmouth a highly attractive place to work for anyone transitioning from the military, combining financial security, health continuity, and a robust community of peers.

Daniel Justynski, Director of Real Estate - U.S. Navy (Retired, O3 Lieutenant)

"The opportunity in 2019 to join a leadership team supporting this beautiful campus and a mission focused educational institution was a significant draw for me. It was the perfect time to relocate and bookend my career of service.

My Navy experience taught me that service is a core principle-and at Dartmouth, that principle lives on every day. Our team now oversees over 500 residential housing units and continues to add more. Supporting graduate students, staff, and faculty is an honor, but the biggest reward is helping a transitioning service member who wants to stay at Dartmouth after active duty. Because we can offer apartments and homes to married veterans, they don't have to leave campus to find family appropriate housing.

I also look forward to helping the Veterans Employee Resource Network to bring even more veterans into our close knit community."

A Values-Driven Culture for Veterans

Dartmouth's core values parallel the discipline, teamwork, and mission focus that veterans bring from their service. Because of that alignment, veterans find the campus a natural place to continue leading and serving.

Purpose-driven impact - Whether employees are working directly with students, supporting faculty research, maintaining campus facilities, or providing essential administrative services, their daily work contributes to the same overarching goal of shaping the next generation of leaders. This alignment lets veterans continue serving in a civilian context, applying the same sense of duty and mission focus that guided them in the armed forces.

Positions at Dartmouth give staff the freedom to own projects, experiment, and learn from outcomes-mirroring the adapt-and-overcome mindset cultivated in the military. Whether troubleshooting a network issue, coordinating a research support service, or managing campus facilities, the day-to-day responsibilities demand quick decision-making and adaptability.

Annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances, monthly veteran breakfasts, and collaborations with local veteran organizations foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond the workplace. This inclusive environment helps veterans feel valued not only as employees but also as integral members of the broader community.

Together, these elements make Dartmouth a place where military-trained professionals can continue their service to society, lead with purpose, and help shape the next generation of leaders.

Student Veterans and ROTC at Dartmouth

Dartmouth currently enrolls 13 undergraduate veterans and 60+ graduate/professional school veterans. The ROTC program has grown to 32 cadets this year, and the university will be hosting the Warrior-Scholar Project to introduce student veterans who are interested in pursuing higher education. Dartmouth has committed to double the number of undergraduate veterans over the next few years, increasing staff dedicated to supporting the student veteran community.

Article Topics

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

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