LUNCH & LEARN – Mission to Major: 10 Lessons from the Military-to-Campus Transition
Event Details
Student veterans bring valuable strengths to campus, including leadership, resilience, adaptability, and a mission-focused mindset. At the same time, the transition from military service to higher education can present unique challenges that influence academic success, campus engagement, and a sense of belonging. Understanding these experiences is an important step toward creating campuses where student veterans can thrive.
Join the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) for a virtual lunch and learn, “Mission to Major: 10 Lessons from the Military-to-Campus Transition,” on Wednesday, March 10, at 12 p.m. ET via Zoom. This session will be presented by Dr. Rusty Mardis, assistant director of the Veterans Resource Station at Northern Kentucky University.
Drawing on doctoral research, lived experience as a student veteran, and years of supporting military-connected students, Dr. Mardis will share practical insights into the military-to-campus transition. Through research findings, real-world examples, and frontline experience, participants will explore how military culture, identity, and the complexities of higher education shape the student veteran experience. The session also will examine common misconceptions and highlight 10 key lessons that can help colleges and universities better support student veterans and build more veteran-ready campuses.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe common challenges student veterans encounter when transitioning from military service to higher education.
- Recognize how military culture, identity, and prior experiences can influence student engagement, help-seeking behaviors, and academic success.
- Identify institutional policies, practices, and assumptions that may unintentionally create barriers for student veterans.
- Apply practical strategies to better support student veterans within their own professional roles and campus environments.
- Evaluate their institution’s readiness to support student veterans using key insights from the military-to-campus transition experience.
Build a More Veteran-Ready Campus
Discover practical strategies you can implement right away to better support student veterans, strengthen their sense of belonging, and help them succeed from enrollment through graduation. Click here to register now!
Registration for this session will close on Sunday, March 7.
[If you are unable to attend live, a recording link will be sent to all registrants.]
When: Wednesday, March 10, from 12-1 p.m. ET [If you are unable to attend live, a recording link will be sent to all registrants.]
Where: SOCHE Zoom platform [meeting link sent at least 24 hours prior to event]
Cost:
- Personnel from SOCHE member schools: $5
- Personnel from NON-member schools/organizations: $10
- Students: FREE [Note: This fee is is reserved for individuals who are students only, not for personnel pursuing continuing education.]
Questions? Contact Mindy Claggett at SOCHE
Student Registration Fee Policy
Registration Cancellation Policy
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT WILL CLOSE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 7
About the Presenter
Rusty Mardis, Ed.D.
Assistant Director, Veterans Resource Station
Northern Kentucky University
Dr. Rusty E. Mardis is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and Assistant Director of the Veterans Resource Station at Northern Kentucky University. With 24 years of military service and more than a decade of veteran advocacy experience, he specializes in military and veteran transition, higher education, and community engagement. As a longtime American Legion service officer and founder of the Northern Kentucky Military-Affiliated Veteran Coalition, he has helped connect thousands of veterans and families to resources, benefits, and opportunities. Dr. Mardis is passionate about helping military-connected individuals thrive in their next mission beyond military service.