Veteran Support in Higher Education: A Blueprint from the University of St. Thomas
Veterans face a unique set of challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian life. Among these, navigating higher education stands out as one of the most complex—and potentially transformative—experiences. At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, a powerful new model for veteran support in higher education is showing what's possible when institutions prioritize personalized care, community, and purpose.
Dr. Trisha RuizLed by Dr. Trisha Nicole Ruiz, a U.S. Army veteran and the founding Senior Director of Veteran Services, the university is proving that effective veteran support in higher education goes beyond benefits processing—it requires connection, strategy, and empathy.
Why Veteran Support in Higher Education Matters
Transitioning veterans are often older than their peers, managing family responsibilities, full-time jobs, or lingering service-related injuries. Their needs are different from those of traditional students, and yet, many colleges and universities still treat veteran support as an afterthought. This results in frustration, missed opportunities, and in many cases, dropouts.
Dr. Ruiz knows this firsthand. Her personal transition from Staff Sergeant to full-time student—with a 10-month-old baby in tow—was riddled with confusion, lack of guidance, and emotional upheaval. That experience sparked her commitment to build a better system for future veterans, grounded in compassion and operational excellence.
A Personalized Pathway from Day One
At the University of St. Thomas, veteran support in higher education begins the moment a military-connected student expresses interest. Whether they are a veteran, active-duty service member, spouse, or dependent, they receive a tailored welcome from the Veteran Success Center.
This first interaction is more than a form email. It includes a direct outreach from a team member like Jay Hernandez, a 12-year Army veteran and in-house GI Bill expert. Jay walks students through the financial process, explains benefits eligibility, and helps them strategize funding options. This immediate, veteran-to-veteran connection builds trust and reduces the anxiety many students feel when dealing with bureaucracy.
Veteran-Specific Orientation That Builds Community
The onboarding process doesn’t stop at application or enrollment. The university offers a veteran-specific orientation—a powerful tool in promoting retention and community-building. Instead of just learning about campus logistics, students engage in a personal storytelling exercise called Pecha Kucha, where they introduce themselves beyond the rank or resume.
This activity reinforces that veteran support in higher education must include emotional connection and shared experiences. Veterans leave orientation with new friendships, deeper self-awareness, and a real sense of belonging—crucial for long-term academic success.
Academic Success Coaching: A Game-Changer
Perhaps one of the most impactful innovations at St. Thomas is the Veteran Academic Success Coach program. Mikel Bryant, a former Army Military Police officer, doesn’t just assist students with studying—he works closely with faculty, monitors student progress, and intervenes when issues arise.
This coaching model treats the veteran as a whole person. If someone is struggling due to financial stress, childcare needs, or work overload, the success coach connects them with nonprofit partners and internal university resources. That holistic approach exemplifies best-in-class veteran support in higher education.
Designed for Veterans, by Veterans
The University of St. Thomas understands that space matters. That’s why their Veteran Success Center is a stand-alone building on campus—an intentional decision that communicates importance and permanence.
This isn’t an afterthought tucked in the back of a student services building. The center includes:
Conference rooms for hybrid learning
A tech lab with iMacs for design students
A lounge with recliners and a big screen TV
A full kitchen for home-cooked meals between classes
A relaxation room for mid-day naps
Private study rooms and meeting spaces
Staffed offices that foster real-time collaboration
This physical space complements the emotional support veterans receive and reinforces a culture of care. It’s veteran support in higher education brought to life.
Leveraging Partnerships for Practical Impact
Another hallmark of the University of St. Thomas’s model is its robust network of partnerships. Rather than expecting veterans to seek out external support, the university brings those resources to campus.
In one example, they partnered with a veteran advocacy group that helped 96% of applicants receive increased disability ratings in 2024. By hosting such groups on campus, the university removes access barriers and simplifies a complex, often stressful process.
This proactive model of service delivery is quickly becoming a gold standard for veteran support in higher education.
The Role of Faith and Purpose in Transition
As a Catholic university, St. Thomas incorporates philosophy and theology into its undergraduate core curriculum. These aren’t just academic exercises—they serve as meaningful tools for veterans re-evaluating their purpose after military service.
Many veterans identify strongly with their role in service. When that role ends, questions of identity and purpose often follow. Dr. Ruiz explained that these classes challenge students to look inward, define their values, and explore life beyond the uniform. That process helps foster a new sense of mission rooted in personal growth rather than job titles.
This emphasis on internal transformation is a key—but often overlooked—component of veteran support in higher education.
Real Results, Real Impact
Since implementing their holistic model, the university has seen an 11% increase in student retention. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a testament to the power of community, individualized support, and veteran-led services.
What’s more, students consistently cite the Veteran Success Center as a cornerstone of their positive experience, from orientation through graduation. Many describe it as a “home away from home”—a place where they can be themselves, receive support, and stay focused on their goals.
Building a Culture, Not Just a Program
What truly sets St. Thomas apart is its veteran-led culture. Every member of the Veteran Success team brings their own military experience to the table, allowing them to relate deeply to the students they serve.
This shared background creates a space of mutual respect, understanding, and action. As Dr. Ruiz noted, “We come to the table and ask, ‘What would have made this easier for us?’ That lens drives every decision we make.”
Veteran support in higher education is not about checking boxes. It’s about building structures that reflect the values and lived experiences of those who served.
Conclusion: A Model for the Nation
The University of St. Thomas isn’t just helping veterans enroll—it’s helping them thrive. By offering high-touch support, purpose-driven programming, and veteran-designed services, the school is redefining what effective veteran support in higher education looks like.
Other colleges and universities would do well to take notes. As Dr. Ruiz and her team demonstrate, meaningful change is possible when institutions invest in real people, not just policy.
For veterans exploring higher education, the message is clear: Don’t settle for less. Seek out the institutions that see you, support you, and walk with you through the journey.
