How Ashland University is Transforming Veteran Education
Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to pursuing higher education. Many veterans and military-connected students struggle with navigating the complexities of enrollment, financial aid, and academic success. Institutions that prioritize veteran education play a crucial role in ensuring that service members and their families receive the support they need to thrive in college and beyond.
One university that has gone above and beyond in its commitment to veteran education is Ashland University. At the heart of this transformation is Randy Spade, Executive Director of Admissions and founding director of Ashland University's Jack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center.
In this episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Randy to explore how Ashland University has built a model program for veteran education, growing from just 14 identified veterans in 2016 to over 400 military-connected students today.
Let’s take a deep dive into Randy’s journey, how Ashland University has redefined veteran education, and what makes its programs a national model for supporting veterans in higher education.
Randy Spade’s Unexpected Journey into Higher Education
Randy SpadeRandy’s journey into higher education wasn’t something he planned. In fact, his career took a turn purely by accident.
"I was a tour guide during my undergrad at a small college in Kentucky, and I loved working in the admissions office," Randy recalls. "When I moved back to Ohio, I found an admissions counselor position at Ashland University in 2015 and started my career there."
However, a chance encounter led to his shift into higher education.
"I walked into the wrong meeting one day," Randy laughs. "It was about GI Bill benefits and veteran support, and before I knew it, I was part of the conversation. That meeting completely changed my career path."
That moment led him to reshape Ashland’s approach to veteran education, ensuring that military-connected students had comprehensive resources throughout their academic journey.
Building a Veteran-Friendly Campus from the Ground Up
In 2016, Ashland University only identified 14 veterans in their student body, and that number was based solely on GI Bill certification records.
"That was our biggest mistake," Randy explains. "Many veterans don’t use the GI Bill or other VA education benefits, so they weren’t even on our radar."
Realizing the flaws in the system, Randy and his team took a proactive approach to veteran education:
✔️ Identifying ALL military-connected students, not just those using VA benefits
✔️ Researching best practices from other institutions
✔️ Understanding the real needs of veteran students and their families
Between 2016 and 2018, Ashland University conducted in-depth research to figure out how to improve its veteran education programs. In 2018, the university soft-launched a new initiative designed to provide military-connected students with the resources they needed to succeed.
"I say 'my team and I,' but at that point, it was just me," Randy jokes. "I was building this entire program from scratch."
The Creation of the Jack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center
One of the biggest breakthroughs in Ashland University’s efforts came when Debbie Carl, a passionate supporter of veterans, approached Randy with an idea.
"She told me, 'My dad was in the Navy, and I want to do something in his honor,'" Randy shares.
With her support, Ashland University was able to establish a standalone veteran resource center, the Jack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center—a 24/7-access building exclusively for veterans and military-connected students.
"This wasn’t just about creating a lounge," Randy emphasizes. "It was about providing a true home for veterans on campus, a place where they could get academic, financial, and mental health support whenever they needed it."
In 2020, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the center officially opened, marking a new era for veterans at Ashland University.
Key Veteran Education Programs at Ashland University
1. Battle of the Branches: Fostering Camaraderie from Day One
One of Ashland University’s most unique veteran education initiatives is the Battle of the Branches—a competitive event held during move-in weekend.
🔹 Military-connected students and their families compete in branch-based challenges
🔹 The winning branch’s flag is flown over the veteran resource center for the entire academic year
🔹 Helps build camaraderie and ease parental anxiety
"This event was designed to help veteran parents feel connected and supported while sending their children to college," Randy explains.
2. Social and Mental Health Support
Recognizing the unique challenges that come with veterans, Ashland provides tailored support, including:
✔️ Casual meetups like pizza nights and cookouts to encourage community bonding
✔️ VR headsets equipped with mental health tools for stress relief
✔️ Financial literacy workshops to help veterans and their families manage tuition and expenses
"Many veterans are balancing full-time coursework, family obligations, and financial challenges, so we make sure they have the support they need," says Randy.
3. Veteran Graduation Cord Ceremony
Ashland University ensures that military-connected students are honored at graduation with a special cord ceremony.
✔️ Veteran graduates receive red, white, and blue honor cords
✔️ Children of military parents using GI Bill benefits get a special Ashland pin
✔️ Acknowledges the sacrifices of both veterans and military families
"This is one of the most emotional moments of the year," Randy shares. "It’s our way of saying, we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate your success."
Why Ashland University’s Veteran Education Model Works
✔️ Goes beyond GI Bill numbers – Ensuring ALL military-connected students are supported
✔️ Creates a dedicated space – The Jack W. Liebert Center provides 24/7 veteran-exclusive access
✔️ Tailors programming to veterans’ needs – Less rigid structure, more real-world support
✔️ Honors military families – Recognizing the impact of military service on students and their families
Final Thoughts: Setting the Standard for Veteran Education
Randy Spade and his team at Ashland University have built one of the most comprehensive veteran education programs in the country.
"We went from 14 students to over 400 military-connected families, and we’re still growing," he says.
Ashland University proves that when colleges invest in veteran education, they create lasting opportunities for veterans, service members, and their families.
💡 Are you a veteran or educator looking to improve veteran education programs? Ashland’s success is proof that real change is possible.
🎧 Listen to the full VET S.O.S. episode on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
