The HigherEdMilitary Spotlight Award highlights those working in higher education who are exceptional at finding innovative ways to change, grow, and support the military-affiliated population.
The nominees and winner are selected by the HigherEdMilitary Advisory Council. A donation is made on behalf of all nominees to the campus club, department, office, or VSO of their choosing.
Please join us in recognizing the innovative and inspiring professionals who are leading the way in higher education and supporting military-affiliated students. The following are this year’s HigherEdMilitary Spotlight nominees. Stay tuned for the winner to be announced!
2024 HigherEdMilitary Spotlight Nominees
Andy has been a staunch advocate for military populations in the higher education landscape. Entering into higher ed when services for military students were nearly nonexistent, he has built the NU program from the ground up. This program has become an example of how to create community within and around military populations. Their programming directly supports military populations on campus and brings in the surrounding communities, breaking silos in many areas.
LeNaya creates a national impact through her work as the chief programs officer at Warrior-Scholar Project. She has also been recognized for her dedication to veterans by serving as a leadership scholar in the George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program.
Emily has done a great job of making Clemson University an incredible place for military-connected students. She has transformed the office, and established a Veterans Coalition partnership with the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Clemson University. In her two years on the job, she has consistently, along with her team, made Clemson stick out in this space.
Courtney has the heart and drive to support our military and veteran students. From school certifying official, to director of military and veterans services, she has demonstrated that hard work, passion, and a growing knowledge base, can lead to bigger and better things. This has demonstrated that there are pathways within this profession, and she is a great example of that.
Chuck as a veteran, represents the community every day. By being in the classroom, he is showing the capability and strengths of the veteran identity and experience. He is an active collaborator supporting military students across campus/academic programs. From the faculty role, he helps his colleagues understand the needs, strengths, and challenges the military community may face in higher ed.
Not only has Janine made an impact on her campus, but the ripples of her work can be seen and felt across the nation from her dedicated service to the NASPA Veterans Knowledge Community where she worked to make a larger impact for higher education professionals who serve veterans and military-connected family members.
With Jessica’s leadership and campus advocacy, ELAC’s VRC offers academic counseling, VA certification, college and VA benefits enrollment assistance, wellness counseling, tutoring, disability services, a computer lab, lounge, gift card basic needs assistance, food pantry, a laptop and technology loan program, on and off campus referrals, transfer pathways for veterans, workshops, events, university tours, and a SALUTE National Veterans Honor Society Chapter. ELAC is also a Peer Advisors for Veterans Education (PAVE) partner, preparing veterans to effectively mentor their peers through academic and transitional challenges, and to engage new students with the VRC and community college experience.
Learn more about the 2023 Spotlight Award nominees, and the winner of the 2023 Spotlight Award.
