National Veterans Leadership Foundation

06/19/2026

The National Veterans Leadership Foundation wrapped up an exceptional two‑day NVLF Leadership Forum in Columbus, bringing together Military & Veterans Directors and campus allies committed to improving outcomes for military‑connected students.

Over two days of collaboration, learning, and shared best practices, participants explored innovative approaches to student success, leadership, career readiness, strategic planning, fundraising, and building campus partnerships.

Day One featured joint sessions with NVLF Leadership Fellows and campus leaders, exploring practical strategies, proven models, and shared challenges. Participants learned from an outstanding group of leaders, including D’Juan Wilcher of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Russ Klein, former CEO of the American Marketing Association, Mary Whitney Ferriter of Bechtel, Mike Lanese of OnSeen, Brooke Sprague of JPMorgan Chase, Katie Gouldin of Hilliard Schools, Dr. Joseph Alutto, and Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel.

Day Two shifted to campus leadership and implementation. Participants connected with peers, exchanged best practices, and gained tools for strategic planning, impact measurement, and securing funding to advance their work.

Thank you to every participant, speaker, and partner who contributed their time, expertise, and passion. Together, we’re building stronger campuses, stronger communities, and stronger futures for military‑connected students nationwide.

SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER

06/17/2026

Day Two of the NVLF Leadership Fellows Program centered on character, competence, and connection, the foundation of service-driven leadership.

Fellows spent the day learning from leaders who have lived these principles at the highest levels:

Jason Warner, Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), explored what it means to stay grounded in your values while bringing out the best in others

Dr. Cynthia Turner, Associate Dean at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, shared lessons on leading change within higher education and working effectively with campus partners.

Carlos Zaragoza, a Bowling Green State University alumnus, former Fellow, and current Military Community Advocate, shared how his MCA experience has continued to shape his career journey and offered tips for current Fellows on developing programs at their colleges.

Janet Steinbacher, Director of Programs for The Ohio State University Military and Veterans Office, discussed practical issues facing Military Community Advocates.

Jody Davids, NVLF Board Member and former CIO of PepsiCo, and Jason Vazquez, Director of Product & Business Development at Nationwide Financial, shared their personal connections to the military and insights on personal and professional resilience

Timothy Zadalis, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), the NVLF Leadership Dean, provided guidance and mentorship throughout the day, helping Fellows connect leadership principles to a lifelong commitment to service.

A special thank you to all of today’s speakers for generously giving their time, sharing their experiences, and investing in the next generation of military-connected leaders. Your willingness to mentor and inspire our Fellows is helping to shape future leaders who will continue to serve others long after graduation.

SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER

06/15/2026

The National Veterans Leadership Foundation welcomed the 2026 cohort of NVLF Leadership Fellows to Columbus for the start of a three-day leadership experience.

We’re privileged to welcome 23 military‑connected students from 18 colleges and universities nationwide as they begin a three‑day experience designed to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their commitment to service, and elevate support for military‑connected communities on campus.

Day one focused on wellness and resiliency, with sessions led by Dan Perzanoski, Chief Wellness Officer at SHAREAPY, helping Fellows develop strategies to thrive personally and professionally.

Throughout the program, Fellows will participate in immersive leadership experiences centered on problem-solving, innovation, and creating meaningful change. Fellows will also join campus leaders, Mil/Vet directors, and national partners at the NVLF Leadership Forum on June 17 to collaborate on improving outcomes for military‑connected students.

This national fellowship recognizes outstanding veterans, active‑duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, ROTC cadets, spouses, and dependents for their service, leadership potential, and commitment to impact.

The 2026 NVLF Leadership Fellows Program is being held at The Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center on the campus of The Ohio State University.

SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Sinclair Community College, recipient of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Programming Award.

Sinclair’s Military Family Education Center (MFEC) provides a comprehensive network of support for military-connected students and families through academic advising, VA and DoD education benefit assistance, financial aid collaboration, and innovative programs designed to remove barriers to success.

From Military Access scholarships and a therapy dog program to partnerships with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base that simplify enrollment and support services, Sinclair has created a holistic approach that meets students where they are.

Presented during the IUC Military Connected Student Symposium at the Ohio Statehouse, this award recognizes institutions whose programming demonstrates exceptional commitment to military-connected student success.

Congratulations to Sinclair Community College for building a community of care and support.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to The Ohio State University, recipient of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Programming Award.

Through the “Our Honor Defend” initiative, Ohio State has created a powerful collaboration among Athletics, University Branding, and the Military & Veterans Services Office to honor those who serve.

Built around the pillars of Honor, Commitment, and Recognition, the program has become an integral part of Military Appreciation Games and Salute to Service events across Buckeye Athletics. The new apparel line reflects the values and warrior ethos that unite the military community and inspire pride throughout the university.

Presented during the IUC Military Connected Student Symposium at the Ohio Statehouse, this award celebrates institutions whose programs exemplify outstanding support for military-connected students.

Congratulations to Ohio State for turning appreciation into action.

06/11/2026

Congratulations to Bowling Green State University, honored with the NVLF Excellence in Programming Award at the IUC’s Military-Connected Student Symposium at the Ohio Statehouse.

The NVLF Excellence in Programming Award recognizes institutions whose programs set the standard for military-connected student support.

By expanding tutoring support for AFROTC cadets preparing for military officer qualification exams and providing academic assistance in demanding STEM courses such as physics, biology, and organic chemistry, BGSU has strengthened student success while fostering partnerships across departments and colleges

Congratulations to BGSU for creating a culture of collaboration and excellence.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), recipient of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Programming Award.

NEOMED was recognized for creating a secure Purple Star Military Lounge that strengthens camaraderie and connection, and for developing a groundbreaking partnership with our nation’s Service Academies that has tripled medical school applications from academy graduates.

NEOMED continues to demonstrate an exceptional commitment to military-connected students through innovative programs that foster community and create pathways to service-oriented careers.

Presented during the IUC Military Connected Student Symposium at the Ohio Statehouse, this award recognizes institutions whose programs exemplify excellence in supporting military-connected students.

Congratulations to the entire NEOMED team for leading with innovation and purpose.

06/02/2026

Service takes many forms, and at UCLA, it looked like 263 UCLA volunteers—students, ROTC cadets, Veterans, military connected families, and community members—who showed up at sunrise to help collect the 90,000 Memorial Day flags at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

What started a decade ago with one UCLA Veteran noticing a need has become a powerful annual tradition of service and reflection. Bruins continue to honor those who served by stepping up when the work still needs to be done.

The National Veterans Leadership Foundation is proud to recognize the UCLA Veteran Resource Center, UCLA ROTC programs, and all 263 volunteers who participated. Your commitment reflects the very best of our SERVICE » CAMPUS » CAREER mission and reminds us that honoring our Veterans is not just something we do on Memorial Day; it is a responsibility we carry forward every day.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/california-live/how-a-decade-old-l-a-tradition-honors-the-true-meaning-of-memorial-day/3895439/

California Live’s Amber Pfister visits the Los Angeles National Cemetery to meet volunteers from UCLA’s Veteran Resource Center carrying on the annual Memorial Flag Pick Up, a tradition that began in 2016 and helps honor the service and sacrifice at the heart of Memorial Day.

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.