08/19/2026
The military-connected team at the University of Virginia believe in the power of community. As you can see from their group pictures at NAVPA conferences, this is a group that gets involved! Perhaps you've seen them at one of these conferences or jumping into conversations on the NAVPA listserv. Whether you are at UVA or across the country, these SCOs are here to help.
Did you know that their team spans two different states? That doesn't slow them down! They came together to present at a NAVPA conference, which sparked a deeper desire to be more engaged and collaborative within the organization. They all serve on a committee at either the state or national level, with one member even serving as a Region II board member.
This team is dedicated to serving a community that has significantly shaped their lives whether as a veteran, spouse of an active-duty soldier for more than two decades, or a military child (and a combined 38 military moves between them!). They understand the challenges of navigating higher ed and wished that people knew that being an SCO is more than data entry! At its core, they know that their work is about removing barriers, building trust, and helping students feel confident and supported as they pursue their educational goals.
How do they make UVA a special place for veterans? By focusing on proactive ways to share information and be available for their students through a bimonthly newsletter, podcast, collaboration with campus partners, hosting office hours, attending in-person events, and offering virtual appointments.
UVA aims to bring that sense of community felt within in the military to their student. They admire the resilience and strong sense of purpose that their students bring to their educational journey. By participating in NAVPA and reaching out to their students and colleagues, UVA SCOs have contributed to their extended military family.
