National Veterans Leadership Foundation

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunities we work to create for future generations.

At the National Veterans Leadership Foundation, we remain committed to supporting military-connected students, veterans, and families through leadership, education, and community — carrying forward a legacy of service that continues long after the uniform is worn.

Today, we remember the fallen, honor their families, and reflect with gratitude on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate 5 years of SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER.

Founded on May 10, 2021, the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) began with a simple mission: empower military connected students as they transition into higher education and prepare for careers.

Five years later, the impact speaks for itself:
· From 12 schools to more than 85 institutions nationwide

· 400+ Military Community Advocates have served their campuses

· 158 Advocates selected in 2026 across 36 campuses

· 70 Student Leadership Fellows driving change in their communities

· 100+ students gaining real-world experience through Career Pathway programs

·Campus teams strengthened through the NVLF Leadership Forum

·Our partnerships now span the Bush Institute, Big Ten, ACC, SEC, and the New Albany Community Foundation, and the State of Ohio has launched a landmark collaboration to support 400+ MCAs over the next two years.

Five years of service. Five years of partnership. Five years of progress.

And we’re just getting started.

05/08/2026

NVLF Selects 2026 Leadership Fellows to
Empower Military-Connected Student Leaders

The National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) proudly announces the selection of its 2026 NVLF Leadership Fellows. This prestigious national fellowship recognizes outstanding military-connected students—including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, ROTC cadets, spouses, and dependents—for their service, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

The 2026 cohort represents colleges and universities from across the country. As part of the fellowship, participants will engage in leadership development programming designed to strengthen their skills, deepen their commitment to service, and enhance support for military-connected communities on campus.
The 2026 NVLF Leadership Fellows are:

Carlos Zaragoza, Bowling Green State University
Ethan Edelbrock, Bowling Green State University
Ameena Brown, Cuyahoga Community College
Ajia Gaines, Howard University
Ava Ndaw, Howard University
Latanya Edwards, Norfolk State University
Jacob Sheaffer, Ohio University
Timothy Kerr, The Pennsylvania State University
Elizabeth Scoone, The Ohio State University
Josh Davis, The Ohio State University
Ernestine Humphrey, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Terrence Lacsina, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Javin Bolanos, UCLA
Jordan Matlock, University of Dayton
Michael Ariori, University of Dayton
Matthew Buehler, University of Kansas
Cameron Adkins, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Nicholas Veasey, University of South Florida
Jacob Warner, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Bentley Kinzer, West Virginia University
Georgia Baker, Wright State University
Arthur Edwards, Xavier University
Davida Friedman, Xavier University

“The NVLF Leadership Fellowships recognize the dedication and potential of military-connected students who are making a real difference on their campuses,” said James Miller, President and Founder of NVLF. “These Fellows exemplify service, leadership, and resilience. By investing in their growth, we are strengthening the next generation of leaders who will continue to support and uplift the military-connected community.”

NVLF collaborates with more than 85 colleges and universities dedicated to supporting military-connected students. Partner institutions nominate exceptional student leaders, with final selections based on demonstrated passion for service, commitment to supporting military-connected students, collaboration skills, principled leadership, and a strong desire to represent their universities with excellence.

“Transitioning from military service to higher education comes with unique challenges, and strong student leaders play a critical role in fostering a supportive community,” said Mike Carrell, NVLF Chief Operating Officer and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. “The NVLF Leadership Fellows are committed to service beyond self, and this program empowers them with the skills, connections, and opportunities to lead with purpose—both on campus and in their future careers.”

The 2026 NVLF Leadership Fellows Program will take place June 15–17, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, at The Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center on the campus of The Ohio State University. This premier, cost-free experience is designed to recognize and elevate military-connected students who are committed to serving others and strengthening campus communities.

During the program, Fellows will:
• Build practical leadership skills that translate into career success
• Collaborate with campus leaders to enhance programs and resources
• Connect with a national network of peers
• Strengthen their ability to lead with purpose and sustain a lifelong commitment to service

A central component of the experience is an immersive leadership workshop focused on problem-solving, innovation, and driving meaningful change. Fellows will also participate in the NVLF Leadership Forum on June 17, joining military and veteran program directors, university leaders, and national partners to explore strategies for improving outcomes for military-connected students.

04/30/2026

Veterans, students, and alumni came together at the University of Texas at Dallas Jindal School of Management for VetConnect, an event centered on connection, preparation, and opportunity.

Through networking, hands-on interview preparation, and conversations around career pathways, participants strengthened the skills and relationships that drive long-term success beyond the classroom. VetConnect continues to highlight what’s possible when military-connected students and alumni are equipped with the right tools and surrounded by a community that understands their journey.

At the National Veterans Leadership Foundation, we’re proud to see programs like this creating spaces where veterans and military-connected affiliates can connect their experience to careers.

SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER

04/20/2026

The NVLF is proud to highlight Grant Hayden, a 2025 NVLF Leadership Fellow and current Military Community Advocate at Bowling Green State University, who is contributing to critical research on freshwater health and public safety.

At a recent Science Café led by Dr. James Metcalf, Grant joined fellow graduate researchers to explore the growing concern around cyanobacterial toxins—naturally occurring compounds that can pose serious risks to human health through drinking water, recreation, and even air exposure.

Grant’s work focuses on understanding how people are exposed to these toxins, particularly through field research in areas like Sandusky Bay and the broader Lake Erie ecosystem. With millions relying on these waters, this research sits at the intersection of science, public health, and environmental stewardship.

This is what leadership looks like in action: military-connected students applying their skills, discipline, and curiosity to tackle real-world challenges that impact communities across the country.

https://bgindependentmedia.org/unwelcome-exposures-cyanobacterial-toxins-in-freshwaters/

Unwelcome exposures: Cyanobacterial toxins in freshwaters Science Cafe presenter Dr. James Metcalf and graduate students Ashlyn Malloy, Grant Hayden and Zachary Morris. Posted By: Tom Gerrow April 19, 2026 By TOM GERROW BG Independent News Cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae (even thoug...

03/27/2026

Congratulations to Wright State University on earning a Military Friendly Silver ranking for 2026–2027!

This recognition reflects a deep, sustained commitment to serving military-connected students and their families.

At the heart of this impact is the Wright State Veteran and Military Center, a national model that supports approximately 850 military-connected students each semester. Through comprehensive resources, leadership development opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Wright State continues to set the standard for what it means to truly serve those who have served.

We’re especially proud to see the continued success of initiatives like the Military Community Advocates program, which empowers student leaders to build community and prepare for meaningful careers after graduation.

From scholarships and flexible learning options to ROTC programs and career readiness support, Wright State is creating pathways for success, and recognition like this is well deserved.

Congratulations again to the entire Wright State community, including leaders like Seth Gordon, for your unwavering dedication to military-connected students.

03/07/2026

Tonight on WBNS-TV, reporter Stacia Naquin shared a story highlighting the challenges many veterans face as they transition from military service to college and how the National Veterans Leadership Foundation is working with universities to make that journey easier.

The segment featured Army veteran Diamond Smith, a former NVLF Leadership Fellow and current Military Community Advocate at Wright State University, who shared her story of navigating life after service and finding a new mission helping other veterans and their families succeed in higher education.

This week, NVLF brought student leaders and advocates together in New Albany for the Campus-to-Career Summit, focused on helping military-connected students move successfully from service » campus » career.

If you missed the segment on 10TV this evening, you can watch it here:

https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/program-helps-military-veterans-transition-from-service-college/530-b6b414e3-d4ac-4c11-bb0e-a4658f3a0a95

The National Veterans Leadership Foundation works to empower military-connected students as they transition into higher education and prepare for careers.

03/06/2026

Stacia Naquin from WBNS TV (10TV) in Columbus produced a story this week at the National Veterans Leadership Foundation Campus-to-Career event.

The segment features Diamond Smith, a former NVLF Leadership Fellow and Military Community Advocate, along with NVLF COO Mike Carrell, highlighting the impact of programs that help military-connected students move successfully from campus to careers.

The story will air this evening (March 6) at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Channel 10. Be sure to tune in.

03/05/2026

Mil-Vet directors and campus leaders from across Ohio came together in New Albany for the 2026 Ohio Advancement Institute, hosted by the National Veterans Leadership Foundation. The day focused on strengthening how colleges and universities serve military-connected students through collaboration, storytelling, and strategic resource development.

The program opened with a keynote from Angus Fletcher of The Ohio State University on the power of storytelling to shape understanding and opportunity for military-connected students. Sessions throughout the day explored how campuses can better leverage the Ohio Military Student Initiative, engage donors, support career pathways, and partner effectively with campus communications teams to tell the story of the military student cohort.

Participants also heard from leaders across higher education, nonprofit organizations, and the philanthropic community, while building connections with colleagues who share a commitment to improving outcomes for those who have served and their families.

Thank you to all who joined us in New Albany and to Sloan Spalding, Mayor of New Albany, for welcoming participants during the luncheon. Together, we continue advancing opportunities for military-connected students across Ohio.

03/04/2026

Today, the National Veterans Leadership Foundation hosted the Ohio Campus-To-Career Summit, bringing together military-connected students from universities across the state for a day of career insight, leadership, and connection.

Students gained practical career advice from professionals and leaders — from real-world hiring advice and maximizing internships to understanding what employers value most. The day concluded with an honest look at today’s job market.

One of the day’s highlights was a conversation featuring former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Lt. General H.R. McMaster (Ret.). Drawing on their decades of leadership and service, they offered candid advice on transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce. They challenged students to lead with resilience, integrity, and purpose.

The day concluded with a reception at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, generously sponsored by the New Albany Community Foundation.

We’re also grateful to Stacia Naquin from WBNS-10TV for covering the event. She interviewed NVLF COO Mike Carrell and NVLF Leadership Fellow (and MCA) Diamond Smith — and we look forward to the story airing later this week.