Nick Drake, Director of the Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services at North Carolina State University, joins us for an insightful conversation on VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight. As a captain in the North Carolina National Guard and a seasoned higher education leader, Nick brings a unique perspective on what veterans need to thrive in college—and how NC State is delivering.

This episode dives deep into NC State’s robust infrastructure for military-connected students, highlighting how the university supports academic achievement, mental wellness, and community engagement. Learn how a transformative $1 million donation led to the revitalization of the campus Vet Center—complete with 3D printers, a student lounge, and free printing—and why these resources matter.

Nick also discusses the importance of planning early, building relationships, and getting involved in more than just veteran spaces. His own path, shaped by powerful mentorships and service-minded leadership, is a roadmap for veterans seeking to make the most of their higher education experience.

Whether you’re a transitioning service member, current student, or university staff, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiring advice for navigating the road from boots to books.

🎧 Listen on all platforms: vetsospodcast.com
📱 Connect with us: @vetsospodcast
#VeteransInCollege #NCStateVets #MilitaryToEducation #StudentVeteranLife #VeteranMentorship #GIbillSupport #CampusResources #RaleighVeterans #NCStateSupport #VETSOS

🎙 VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight 🎙

In this episode, we explore Colorado State University’s outstanding veteran education programs with Dr. Ben Schrader, Director of Adult Learner and Veteran Services.

Dr. Schrader shares his journey from the U.S. Army to academia, his research on veteran activism, and how CSU is leading the way in veteran support. Discover:

✅ CSU’s Veteran Success Programs & Dedicated Scholarships
✅ How CSU Helps Veterans Transition to Higher Education
✅ Why Community & Mentorship Are Critical for Veterans
✅ Resources for Military-Connected Students at CSU

🚀 Whether you're a veteran considering college or looking for better transition support, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

📍 Learn more about CSU’s Veteran Programs: alvs.colostate.edu

🎧 Follow VET S.O.S. for more insights on military transition:
🔗 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
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📢 Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!

#VeteranEducation #CSU #MilitaryTransition #HigherEducation #VeteranSuccess #ColoradoStateUniversity #VeteranResources #GIbill #VeteransInCollege #VETSOS

🎙️ From Microsoft to Military Education: How Divergence Academy Prepares Veterans for AI & Cyber Careers 🎙️

🚨 Don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🚨

In this episode, we sit down with Sravan, a tech industry veteran and visionary entrepreneur, who shares his journey from Microsoft to founding Divergence Academy, a VA-approved training school dedicated to helping veterans transition into high-demand careers in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, AI, and governance risk compliance (GRC).

📌 What You'll Learn:
✅ How Divergence Academy is transforming veteran career training in tech
✅ Why AI & automation are reshaping the future of work for military professionals
✅ The importance of CMMC certification for those wanting to work with the DoD
✅ How Divergence Academy supports military-connected students with GI Bill & VA benefits
✅ The role of their think tank in pushing innovation in cyber and AI education

🎯 If you're a veteran, transitioning service member, or military spouse looking for high-paying career opportunities, this episode is a must-listen!

📌 Follow & Subscribe to VET S.O.S.:
🔗 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
🔗 YouTube: @vetsospodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: @vetsospodcast
🔗 Facebook: @vetsospodcast
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#MilitaryTransition #VeteranJobs #CybersecurityTraining #AIinEducation #TechCareers #DivergenceAcademy #CMMCCertification #VeteranSuccess #GIbill #VETSOS

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your post-military career! 🚀

🎧 VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resource Spotlight 🎧

Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! In this episode, we talk with Aaron Hall, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Director of Military Student Success at Full Sail University.

Aaron shares his firsthand experience transitioning from active duty to higher education, the struggles veterans face in navigating GI Bill benefits, and how Full Sail is helping veterans build careers in entertainment, media, technology, and beyond.

💡 Episode Highlights:
✔️ Aaron’s military-to-civilian transition story
✔️ The importance of veteran support services in higher education
✔️ How Full Sail’s Military Student Success Center & Virtual Veteran Center support online and in-person students
✔️ The unique degree programs in gaming, film, music, cybersecurity, and more
✔️ Why Full Sail is a game-changer for transitioning service members

🔥 Ready to level up your education and career? Tune in now! 🔥

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📌 Subscribe & Follow VET S.O.S. so you never miss an episode!

#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #MilitarySuccess #GIbill #HigherEducation #FullSailUniversity #Veterans #CareerGrowth #MilitaryToCivilian #StudentVeterans

🎙️ VET S.O.S. - Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight 🎙️

In this episode, we’re joined by Cory Shay, a PennWest University leader and Veteran Champions of the Year in Higher Education awardee. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Cory shares his own transition journey and how he now helps 500+ military-connected students access education benefits, including the GI Bill and tuition assistance.

💡 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why GI Bill awareness is still a challenge for many veterans
✅ How PennWest provides veteran resources, community, and support spaces
✅ Online degree options with military tuition discounts
✅ The impact of Veterans Day events, networking, and student organizations
✅ Cory's personal transition story and his mission to support fellow veterans

📢 If you're a service member, veteran, or military spouse considering higher education, this episode is a must-listen!

🔗 Follow & Subscribe to VET S.O.S.:
🎥 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
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🚨 Don’t drown in the sea of transition, Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🚨

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryEducation #GIBillBenefits #HigherEducation #VeteranResources #OnlineLearning #MilitaryTransition #PennWestUniversity #VETSOS #MilitaryLife

🎙 VET S.O.S. Podcast – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight 🎙

In this episode, Ryan Pavel, CEO of the Warrior-Scholar Project, joins us to discuss how WSP is helping enlisted veterans thrive in higher education. We cover:

🎓 How WSP’s academic boot camps prepare veterans for success
🤝 The importance of building a strong community in college
📚 How veterans can maximize their GI Bill benefits
🌎 The impact of WSP and its new Coursera-based program

💡 WSP is 100% free for veterans! Learn more & apply: warrior-scholar.org

🎧 Listen to VET S.O.S. on all major platforms:
🔹 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
🔹 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703
🔹 YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast

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🚀 Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!

#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #WarriorScholarProject #MilitaryTransition #StudentVeterans #HigherEd #GIbill #VeteranSuccess #EducationForVeterans #VetSupport #CareerAfterService

Transitioning from the military can be abrupt, but finding the right career path makes all the difference. In this episode, we talk withJarred McNeely, Chief Academic Officer at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), about howfirearms technology and drone education are giving veterans and hands-on learners new career opportunities.

🛠️What You’ll Learn:
✅ Jarred’s military transition and how he found his passion inhigher education
✅ Howtechnical schools providefast-track career opportunities
✅ The growing industries ofgunsmithing & drone technology
✅ SDI’s programs and how theyhelp students gain real-world skills
✅ Thejob outlook for SDI graduates and support for veterans

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or anyone considering a hands-on technical career, this episode is for you!

🔗Explore SDI Programs: Visitsdi.edu

🎥Watch on YouTube:
Search forVET S.O.S. Podcast on YouTube

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#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #Gunsmithing #DroneTechnology #TechCareers #CareerSuccess #Veterans #SonoranDesertInstitute #VeteranSupport

On this episode ofVET S.O.S., we welcomeKristin Byerly, Director of Veteran Initiatives and Outreach atUniversity of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

As aleader in military education, UMGC has built a strongglobal presence on military bases, supporting service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents. Kristin shares:

🎓How UMGC ensures seamless credit transfers for military-connected students
🌍The university’s global impact and on-base advising services
🎖️How the Yellow Ribbon Program helps veterans access higher education
💼Career-focused programs designed for transitioning service members
📚Scholarships, mentoring, and networking opportunities for military families

📢Follow & subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more valuable military transition insights!

🎧Listen & Follow VET S.O.S.:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast

📲Follow VET S.O.S. on Social Media:
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#VETSOSPodcast #UMGC #MilitaryEducation #Veterans #VeteranResources #HigherEducation #MilitaryLife #YellowRibbonProgram #MilitarySpouse #EducationForVeterans

Are you a veteran, service member, or military spouse looking forthe best education options? In this episode,Patrick Adcock, Director of Military Programs atExcelsior University, shares his powerful transition story andhow Excelsior supports military-affiliated students with transfer credits, competency-based learning, and maximized GI Bill benefits.

💡What’s inside this episode?
✔️ Patrick’s journey from Army MP to education leader
✔️ How Excelsior helps veterans turn experience intocollege credits
✔️ Navigating theGI Bill and VA education benefits
✔️New initiatives helping military families access education
✔️ Why choosing the rightcollege fit matters for service members

🎧Listen now & subscribe!

📲Follow VET S.O.S.:
🌐 Website: vetsospodcast.com
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#VeteranEducation #ExcelsiorUniversity #GIBill #MilitaryTransition #HigherEd #OnlineLearning #VeteranResources #MilitarySpouse #VETSOSPodcast #VeteranSupport

Join us for an inspiring conversation withRandy Spade, the driving force behind Ashland University'sJack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center. Learn how his teamrevamped veteran services—growing from just 14 identified students toover 400 military-connected families!

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ The journey ofbuilding a veteran-friendly campus from the ground up
✔️ Ashland’sBattle of the Branches event & community-building efforts
✔️ Thereal needs of military-connected students beyond GI Bill users
✔️ Innovations inmental health support,financial planning, &academic success
✔️ Howcommunity investment is crucial forsustainable veteran programs

💡If you’re a veteran navigating college, an educator improving veteran services, or just passionate about supporting those who served—this is a must-listen!

🔗Listen now: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📲Follow VET S.O.S. on social media: paradedeck.com/creator/vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #HigherEd #Veterans #VeteranSuccess #StudentVeterans #AshlandUniversity #MilitaryResources #GrabTheLifeline