Supporting Military-Connected Students: A New Initiative
The University of Phoenix isn't just letting the ink dry on diplomas; they've rolled up their sleeves to create something unique for their military-connected crowd. Enter the Phoenix Veterans and Affiliates Network (PVAN), a brainchild cooked up to make sure veterans, active-duty folks, and reservists aren't left wandering post-service and post-graduation. This student organization finds its home within the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, serving as a bridge for those traversing the education and career world.
PVAN's Purpose and Goals
PVAN is much more than a label; it's about creating a space to bolster career readiness, foster institutional belonging, and arm military-connected individuals with necessary tools for success after their service. The organization opens its doors during the University's Bravely Belong Student and Alumni Café, solidifying its mission to make students feel they belong in academia and beyond. Jelisa Dallas, M.S.Ed., encapsulates the essence of PVAN, highlighting the balance between honoring lived military experiences and promoting educational and career pursuits.
Leading the Troop: The Executive Team
Steering PVAN's ship is an executive leadership board—an eclectic mix of students and alumni who bring a variety of backgrounds to the table. There's Lorinzo Foxworth as the President, alongside Daniel K. Kamanao Jr. as Vice President. The rest of the team includes Communication Manager Arthur Bernard Smith, Regional Representatives like Christopher Boyle and Roger Vance, Community College Lead Christopher Milton, and Activity Manager John Kirch. This leadership cadre will channel their military discipline to guide PVAN's strategic path and foster collaborative ventures across campus.
John Kirch: A Leadership Story
It's worth giving a nod to John Kirch, whose journey from military ranks to academic halls is now echoed in PVAN's mission. Driven by a spirit of advocacy, Kirch's story was featured on the University’s Degrees of Success podcast, capturing resilience in transitioning to civilian life. His narrative parallels PVAN's focus on amplifying voices from military corners, shining a light on storytelling and building robust community connections.
Long-term Vision: Building Career Readiness
PVAN doesn't just aim to gather people; it's about chaining them up with lasting social capital and career resources. By collaborating with entities like the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, the network hopes to sprinkle in national best practices and student development theories. These efforts aren't just talk—they're aimed at propelling persistence and setting alumni on a steady course for success.
"Military-connected learners bring extraordinary leadership, resilience, and lived experience to our community," Jelisa Dallas remarked.
PVAN is hitting the ground running, interlinking efforts with the Student and Alumni Leadership Council to roll out events and opportunities.
Looking Ahead with University of Phoenix
Count on the University of Phoenix to keep pushing boundaries, standing firm after 50 long years. Their focus remains clear: mold careers in a rapidly changing world using every tool from online learning to savvy AI. PVAN represents just one thread in their broader mosaic of educational innovation, proving their model isn’t about resting on laurels but creating continuous pathways to growth for those who served.
As the veterans' network ramps up operations, the University ensures this isn't just another piece of institutional jargon but a truly functional resource for military-connected learners.
