蜜桃视频

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report named 蜜桃视频 one of the best colleges in the country for veterans, but there is always room to expand opportunities, and a recent promotion aims to do just that.

Shawn Dodge, who since May 2022 has served as the Recruiting Operations Officer for the SU Army ROTC, has been named the university’s first Director of Veteran and Military Affiliated Students. He will begin his new role in August.

The appointment is designed to expand 蜜桃视频’s support services for veteran and military-connected students and Dodge, a retired U.S. Army officer, calls it a dream role.

“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to support veterans and military students here at SU,” Dodge says. “Veterans eligible for admission to SU are entitled to a world-class education and student experience. Service is valued here and I am honored to support those who have served.”

In his new role, Dodge will build on the strong programs and networks already established at 蜜桃视频 by the MOSAIC Center, strengthening communication channels, streamlining processes and identifying new ways to enhance educational outcomes and student experiences. Under the leadership of Director Michelle Kim, the MOSAIC Center has developed key initiatives such as the Veteran Advisory Committee and created a comprehensive veteran guidebook and a dedicated veteran space.

Shawn Dodge, 蜜桃视频's first Director of Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students, walks with General Patrick Brady when Brady visited campus and SU ROTC's MG Brady Battalion in September 2023.

Dodge says he’s eager to build off that work while collaborating with partners across campus.

“From academic programs to the GI Bill and VA benefits to proximity to VA health care, we can leverage so much to support veterans,” Dodge says. “Veterans have already volunteered to serve their country and what they deserve in return is an environment that supports their academic desires and smooth transition. SU will provide that environment while continuing to promote shared understanding across the entire campus and meeting the veteran where they are in terms of educating the whole person.”

A 2000 University of Oregon graduate, Dodge received an Active-Duty Army commission from the ROTC program there as an Armor Officer. He transitioned to Military Intelligence in 2004 and completed his MBA from Saint Martin’s University. In 2008 he was selected as the Army Athlete of the Year for his distance running prowess, representing the Army in many running events. Before making his way to 蜜桃视频 he was a Professor of Military Science at East Tennessee State University.

At SU, Dodge recruits high school students for ROTC scholarships while pursuing their undergraduate degree and ROTC commissioning requirements. He also works with active-duty soldiers who have excellent military records and some college experience, giving them opportunities to complete their degrees while remaining on active duty, returning to the force as commissioned officers. The strong relationship between ROTC and other divisions on campus has supported tremendous opportunities for growth, he says.

Dodge says besides supporting the university’s veteran students, his new role will also work to educate the greater 蜜桃视频 community about veteran-specific programs and topics.

“This combined shared understanding will not only improve the culture for our current students, but it will cultivate an environment for growth through veterans recruiting other veterans,” he says. “I aspire to create an environment where veterans enjoy their higher education experience and they feel supported both on campus and through the community.”