Join us for an inspiring conversation withRandy Spade, the driving force behind Ashland University'sJack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center. Learn how his teamrevamped veteran services—growing from just 14 identified students toover 400 military-connected families!

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ The journey ofbuilding a veteran-friendly campus from the ground up
✔️ Ashland’sBattle of the Branches event & community-building efforts
✔️ Thereal needs of military-connected students beyond GI Bill users
✔️ Innovations inmental health support,financial planning, &academic success
✔️ Howcommunity investment is crucial forsustainable veteran programs

💡If you’re a veteran navigating college, an educator improving veteran services, or just passionate about supporting those who served—this is a must-listen!

🔗Listen now: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📲Follow VET S.O.S. on social media: paradedeck.com/creator/vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #HigherEd #Veterans #VeteranSuccess #StudentVeterans #AshlandUniversity #MilitaryResources #GrabTheLifeline

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Andrew Roman, Director of Veteran Initiatives at Columbia Southern University (CSU). With an impressive 32-year career in the Michigan Army National Guard, Andrew shares his transformative journey from enlisting in 1986 to retiring as Chief of Staff in 2018. He candidly opens up about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, emphasizing how even extensive military experience doesn't guarantee a smooth shift into the workforce. Andrew recounts how a fortunate opportunity led him to his current role at CSU, where he now dedicates his career to supporting fellow veterans.
Andrew delves into the comprehensive support Columbia Southern University offers its military-connected students, who make up nearly a third of the 28,000+ student body. He highlights targeted scholarships like the Forever a Hero for veterans and the Hero Behind the Hero for military spouses, as well as exclusive tuition discounts designed to make education more accessible. CSU also caps tuition rates for military tuition assistance at $250 per credit hour, even for graduate studies, demonstrating its commitment to affordability. Andrew underscores the importance of the university's dedicated military support teams and specialized departments that cater to active-duty members, veterans, spouses, and dependents.
A passionate advocate for student engagement, Andrew shares his efforts in leading the university's Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, fostering a sense of camaraderie in an online learning environment. He recounts how attending the SVA National Conference in Colorado Springs offered CSU's student veterans valuable networking opportunities, leadership development, and personal growth.
Tune in to hear how Columbia Southern University is creating a supportive and empowering environment for military-affiliated students and how Andrew Roman is paying it forward by guiding veterans toward educational and career success. This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice for veterans navigating their own transitions.
Check out Columbia Southern University here: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/ Columbia Southern University Veteran Center: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/military/veterans-center
Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on your favorite podcast platform, YouTube, and social media. Remember, don't drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEducation #ColumbiaSouthernUniversity #VETSOS #MilitarySupport #VeteranSuccess #StudentVeterans #MilitaryScholarships #EducationForVeterans

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Rider, Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Veteran Services at Kent State University. Joshua shares his inspiring journey from a Kent State undergraduate to leading initiatives that support military-connected students. Discover how Kent State serves its 1,000+ military-affiliated students through centralized benefits processing, tailored programming across eight regional campuses, and holistic support services that extend to veterans' families. Joshua dives into the history and growth of veteran support services at Kent State, detailing how the Post-9/11 GI Bill transformed the university's approach to serving military students. He discusses the strategic combination of benefits processing and student engagement, creating a comprehensive support system that addresses both academic and personal needs. Learn how Kent State's flexible online portals and campus-specific programs empower veterans across Ohio, from the foothills of Appalachia to the shores of Lake Erie. Additionally, Joshua highlights unique opportunities for veterans, including Kent State's nationally recognized College of Education, Health, and Human Services, its top-tier fashion design program, and the university's exclusive aeronautics training at their on-campus airport. He emphasizes the importance of community building through student organizations, veteran-specific events, and partnerships with external support services like the VA and Student Accessibility Services. Joshua also shares his personal connection to the university, with his daughter becoming a fourth-generation Golden Flash, and reflects on how Kent State continues to foster a supportive environment for veterans and their families. Don't miss this insightful conversation about creating meaningful support systems for veterans in higher education.

Check out Kent State University: https://www.kent.edu/

Kent State University Center for Adult and Veteran Services: https://www.kent.edu/cavs Subscribe and follow the VET S.O.S. Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms to stay connected. Remember, don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! #VETSOS #KentStateUniversity #VeteranSupport #MilitaryConnectedStudents #HigherEducation #VeteranResources #StudentSuccess #VeteranEducation #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranTransition #SupportServices