Rider, Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Veteran Services

at Kent State University. Joshua shares his inspiring journey from a

Kent State undergraduate to leading initiatives that support

military-connected students. Discover how Kent State serves its 1,000+

military-affiliated students through centralized benefits processing,

tailored programming across eight regional campuses, and holistic

support services that extend to veterans' families.

Joshua dives into the history and growth of veteran support services at

Kent State, detailing how the Post-9/11 GI Bill transformed the

university's approach to serving military students. He discusses the

strategic combination of benefits processing and student engagement,

creating a comprehensive support system that addresses both academic and

personal needs. Learn how Kent State's flexible online portals and

campus-specific programs empower veterans across Ohio, from the

foothills of Appalachia to the shores of Lake Erie.

Additionally, Joshua highlights unique opportunities for veterans,

including Kent State's nationally recognized College of Education,

Health, and Human Services, its top-tier fashion design program, and the

university's exclusive aeronautics training at their on-campus airport.

He emphasizes the importance of community building through student

organizations, veteran-specific events, and partnerships with external

support services like the VA and Student Accessibility Services.

Joshua also shares his personal connection to the university, with his

daughter becoming a fourth-generation Golden Flash, and reflects on how

Kent State continues to foster a supportive environment for veterans and

their families.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about creating meaningful

support systems for veterans in higher education.

Check out Kent State University: https://www.kent.edu/

Subscribe and follow the VET S.O.S. Podcast on YouTube and all major

podcast platforms to stay connected. Remember, don't drown in the sea of

transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!

#VETSOS #KentStateUniversity #VeteranSupport #MilitaryConnectedStudents #HigherEducation #VeteranResources #StudentSuccess #VeteranEducation #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranTransition #SupportServices