Military service develops leaders who know how to adapt, solve problems, work as a team, and accomplish a mission. Those qualities align naturally with the culture and values at Aims Community College.

Aims Community College has built a strong and growing military-affiliated campus culture centered on community, belonging, and support for both veterans and military-connected students and employees. Across campus, military-affiliated employees consistently describe Aims as a mission-driven environment where service, leadership, and teamwork are recognized and valued.

As both an educational institution and employer, Aims is committed to welcoming military-affiliated students and employees. The college has earned both Gold Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations, reflecting its commitment to supporting military-connected individuals through meaningful programs, resources, and workplace practices.

Through its Veteran Services Department, Aims provides guidance, resources, and connection points for veterans navigating education and career pathways. Veteran Student Success Coach Ross Atkinson, a U.S. Army combat veteran, understands the transition from soldier to scholar firsthand. After discovering his passion for education while deployed to Afghanistan, he earned both a master's degree in English and a Ph.D. in Education Sciences before finding his career at Aims Community College.

"What truly sets us apart is our shared experience," Atkinson said. "Our staff understands the unique challenges our students face because we were once those students. Having navigated this transition ourselves, we are deeply invested in helping them succeed."

Atkinson notes that veterans across campus, whether students or employees, naturally connect through shared experiences. Veteran services serves as a hub of community, welcoming military-affiliated employees to connect, ask questions, or help guide students to available resources.

Aims also fosters connection through Veterans Day events, the Patton Veteran Project film workshop, and other programs that give veterans opportunities to share their stories and strengthen the campus community.

Many academic programs recognize military experience by evaluating joint services transcripts for potential college credit, particularly within Aviation programs, helping veterans transition more quickly into civilian careers.

That same commitment extends into the workplace. In 2026, four supervisors within Campus Safety and Security received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award, after being nominated by public safety specialist and U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Raelle Rives, for their outstanding support of her military service. Several members of the Campus Safety and Security team are also veterans, further strengthening the culture of understanding and support.

When Rives was deployed, colleagues across Aims came together to create video messages of encouragement for her and her unit overseas-an example of the college's commitment to supporting those who serve both on and off campus.

These efforts create something many veterans seek after military service: a genuine sense of belonging.

One of those veterans is Johnny Sowder, a U.S. Navy veteran and geographic information systems (GIS) Instructor whose journey to higher education took several turns before leading him to Aims.

"The skills learned in the military translate directly," said Sowder. "The discipline, mission mindset, and personal values build a foundation that matches the commitment we see at Aims Community College."

After his service, Sowder followed what he describes as a "non-linear path" before finding his calling in education.

"In the military, the path is rigid. In civilian life, you have to build your own path. Aims is a community that helps one another find common ground to grow and prosper."

He believes the supportive culture at Aims helps veterans navigate that transition and continue making meaningful contributions long after military service.

For Jared Polito, Veteran Services Specialist and U.S. Army veteran, Aims became both his college and his career. After earning his GED and serving as a tactical power generation specialist in the Army, Polito worked in the oil fields before deciding to return to school in search of a new direction.

He initially pursued a degree in computer information systems at Aims but discovered it was not the right fit. He switched to a liberal arts degree focused on psychology. Following graduation, Polito joined the Student Veteran Services Office, where he now helps fellow veterans navigate their own educational journeys.

"Aims is the best place I've ever worked," Polito said. "It's a very uplifting place, and people encourage you to learn."

At this time, military-affiliated employees work in a wide range of departments and roles throughout the college. Below are just a few areas where veterans and military-affiliated employees work at Aims Community College:

• Human Resources
• Veteran Services
• Instruction and Academic Departments
• Aviation Programs: Flight Training and Aircraft Maintenance
• Public Safety: Police, Fire, EMS
• Nursing and Allied Health
• Geographic Information Systems
• Campus Safety and Security (CSS)
• Marketing and Communications

The college's commitment to employees is reflected in a comprehensive benefits package and nationally recognized workplace culture. Benefits include:

• 100% health and dental insurance coverage for Aims full-time employees, 85% coverage for dependents, and 100% of taxes paid for Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI).
• $4,000 in tuition reimbursement for employees, spouses, and dependents for courses at Aims after the first year of employment. Tuition from other accredited institutions is also reimbursed after the first year.
• Ample paid time off, including 17 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, 15 days of annual leave, 24 hours of personal leave, and 30 hours of volunteer time annually. Employees also enjoy 12 Fridays off during the summer through a 36-hour workweek while receiving 40 hours of pay.
• Career development opportunities through the Employee Learning and Development (ELD) department, including an online training library and up to $2,500 annually for conferences, certifications, credentialing, seminars, and training.
• Access to wellness resources including an employee assistance program (EAP), Talkspace online counseling and psychiatry services, a free membership at a state-of-the-art fitness center, ergonomic workplace support, and educational wellness programs.
• A PERA Defined Benefit Plan that helps employees build long-term retirement security.

The college's employee-centered culture continues to receive recognition. In 2026, Aims was recognized as a Top Workplace in Colorado for the fifth time. The college has also received two overall national recognitions and numerous other Top Workplace honors, including awards for compensation and benefits, employee appreciation, employee well-being, professional development, purpose and values, and work-life flexibility.

Aims has also been designated as a Healthy Workplace Leader for the past six years, recognizing its commitment to workplace health and safety. The college fosters a culture of well-being by offering resources that support employees' physical, mental, and emotional health.

Whether serving students in the classroom, maintaining campus operations, supporting public safety, leading technology initiatives, or helping students navigate their educational journey, military-affiliated employees continue making a meaningful impact long after their military service ends.

For military-affiliated professionals looking for their next mission, Aims offers more than employment. It offers a place where service continues, leadership is valued, and employees have the opportunity to positively impact students, colleagues, and the communities they serve.

Explore current career opportunities at Aims Community College.

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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