In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Cassie Sanchez, Director of Education at Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). They discuss how WSP supports veterans in successfully transitioning to higher education. The conversation highlights the benefits these programs offer both to veterans and the institutions they attend, focusing on enhancing enrollment strategies, supporting veteran success, and leveraging the unique strengths veterans bring to academic environments.

This episode provides valuable insights for university leaders aiming to improve veteran enrollment and retention rates, thereby enriching the diversity and dynamism of their campuses.

Key Discussion Points

Enhancing Enrollment and Support Strategies for Veteran Students:

• Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) boosts veteran retention and graduation rates with a 92% success rate, significantly higher than national averages for traditional students.
• WSP's boot camps at institutions like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford integrate veterans into academic and social settings, foundational for their success.
• Strategic partnerships between WSP and universities act as models for boosting veteran enrollment and expanding demographic reach and diversity.

Driving Veteran Academic and Social Success:

• WSP prepares veterans for higher education through rigorous boot camps that facilitate college transition and build academic readiness.
• Universities that replicate WSP's support structures enhance veteran support, ensuring continuous assistance tailored to their needs, thus improving retention and success rates.

Building Lasting Institutional Benefits Through Veteran Inclusion:

• Inclusion of veterans enriches the academic community with diverse perspectives and skills, enhancing campus dialogue and educational outcomes.
• Cassie Sanchez emphasizes the importance of higher education leaders recognizing veteran potential, advocating for strategies that fully integrate veterans, and enhancing institutional profiles and standings.

Implementing Actionable Steps for Institutional Growth:

• Insights for integrating veteran-focused educational programs into university strategies include adopting WSP's intensive preparation and support networks.
• Universities are urged to create veteran-specific admissions pathways, support centers, and inclusive campus cultures, supporting veteran success and contributing to diversity and graduation rate goals.

Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Understanding and Integration: Acknowledge the unique value and perspectives of veterans, integrating their experiences into campus culture.
2. Support Systems: Develop systems tailored to veteran needs, ensuring smooth transitions and academic success.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Form partnerships with organizations like WSP to leverage structured, successful programs that prepare veterans for academic success, benefiting both students and institutions.

Read the transcript on our website →

About Our Podcast Guest

Cassie Sanchez oversees all of Warrior-Scholar Project's (WSP) curricular efforts, including developing, implementing, and evaluating the curricula, plus training academic staff. Prior to her current role, she was a senior associate at Amherst College's writing center. Additionally, she taught for Upward Bound and the Noonan Scholars program.

Dr. Sanchez has decades of experience developing courses and support structures for students in transition, including community college, first-generation, and low-income students. She holds a Ph.D. in education policy, research, and administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Cassie Sanchez on LinkedIn →

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm's website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader's Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [email protected]

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