Veterans Support Center: Supporting Those Who Serve

SUPPORTING

MilitaryConnected Students SINCE 2011

“The Veterans Support Center is more than a resource, it’s a community. Every day, we strive to honor the service of our veterans and our military-connected students by providing a space where they feel seen, supported, and empowered. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them as they pursue their educational and personal goals and build their futures.”

—Fa’a Taupa’u Director, Veterans Support Center

MISSION: The Veterans Support Center supports military-connected students, enhances their well-being, and fosters a welcoming campus to unlock their full potential.

VISION: For students to discover their passion, people, and purpose

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVED:

THE VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Lori McDonald

My name is Lori McDonald, and I’ve had the honor of serving as the vice president for student affairs at the University of Utah for the past five years. Prior to that, I spent 22 years as the associate vice president and dean of students. Over these years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and impact of the Veterans Support Center (VSC).

The VSC is dedicated to creating a welcoming, resource-rich environment for veterans, military-connected students, and their families. Its mission is clear: to support academic success, personal growth, and a smooth transition from military to campus life.

In the 2023–24 academic year, the center recorded 9,059 student visits. That number grew to over 12,000 visits in 2024–25, making it the most-visited support center on campus. During this time, 1,750 students used Veterans Affairs or Military Educational Benefits, such as the GI Bill, and achieved an impressive average GPA of 3.38.

One of the most meaningful milestones was celebrating more than 450 veteran graduates in spring 2024—one of the largest graduating classes of veterans in recent memory. This achievement reflects the dedication of the VSC team, who provide mentorship, tutoring, a textbook loan library, a computer lab with free printing, and so much more.

The center’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. GI Jobs Magazine recently named the University of Utah a Military Friendly School–Gold Status, a distinction awarded to only nine Research 1 Intensive universities nationwide. Additionally, College Consensus praised the university for its flexible, accessible, and veteran-focused online degree programs.

While we celebrate these successes, we also recognize the ongoing need for financial support to ensure every veteran student has the resources to thrive. Your support can help students stay in school, graduate on time, and transition successfully to their next chapter.

Thank you for considering a gift to support our veterans and military-connected students.

Lori McDonald, PhD Vice President for Student Affairs University of Utah

WHAT WE DO:

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE

The Veterans Support Center (VSC) at the University of Utah is proud to serve all military-connected students, including active duty, reserves, National Guard, ROTC, veterans, and their family members.

Our mission is to provide a welcoming space and the resources needed to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

We offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of our military-affiliated community, including: • Computer lab with free printing • Textbook loan library • VA work-study opportunities • Free coffee and snacks

• VA counseling and benefits advising • Career coaching specifically for veterans • Private study and meeting spaces • Peer-to-peer support and legal clinics

In addition to the services offered through the VSC, the University of Utah provides: • Priority registration for veterans and service members after orientation • In-state tuition for most military-connected students • Dedicated registrar staff to assist with military-related academic needs Our Story: From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community The University of Utah recognized the need for a dedicated space for veterans and militaryconnected students in 2011, opening the first Veterans Support Center in a modest 415-squarefoot room in the Union building. Despite its size, the center served 900 students in its first year.

As one student joked, “If more than 12 people were in the room, the fire marshal would’ve been called.”

Thanks to the generosity of Jim Holbrook and The I.J. and Jeanné Wagner Charitable Foundation, the VSC moved into a new 2,100-square-foot facility in 2013. This expansion allowed us to offer private counseling rooms, a student lounge, and dedicated spaces for academic, legal, and career support. As one student noted in comparing the old and new spaces: “It’s nice to be able to converse with fellow members without sitting on each other’s lap.”

In 2023, the VSC recorded over 9,000 student visits, and in 2024–25, that number grew to more than 12,000, making it the most-visited support center on campus.

Why It Matters The VSC is more than just a resource hub: It’s a community. It’s a place where veterans can grab a snack, find a quiet place to study, connect with peers, and get the support they need to thrive.

We are honored to serve those who have served, and we remain committed to helping every military-connected student succeed.

“Thank you, again, for that incredible welcome today at the Veterans Support Center. My fiancé and I were so impressed with the center and thankful to make the connection as soon as we did.”

—Military-Connected Student

MILESTONES 2011

2012

2013

The Veterans Support Center is established on the U’s campus.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establishes a presence on campus to assist with educational benefits and other areas of VA support.

The GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act passes, requiring public schools to charge instate tuition rates to all veterans for eligibility to receive GI Bill education payments.

The Veterans Choice Act mandates that public schools with VA-approved programs offer in-state tuition to eligible veterans and dependents.

MILITARYCONNECTED GRADUATES*

“Our son was struggling to find a place where he fit in. Thanks for reaching out to him and inviting him to visit your center.”

315 464 302 2023

2024

—Military Parent

2025

*tracking began in 2023

Average GPA by Academic Year 3.5

GPA

3.25

3.0

2.75 2015-16 2.5

2014-15

2017-18 2016-17

2020-21 2018-19

2022-23 2021-22

2024-25 2023-24

Academic Year 2019-20 data was unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2014

2017

The Stoker Family Endowed Scholarship—the first endowment at the VSC—is created to support undergraduates who currently serve or received an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed forces, National Guard, or Reserve Military Forces.

The U’s Veterans Day celebration is expanded to Veterans Week. It includes speakers, panels, the Meet a Vet BBQ, movie screenings, a tailgate before the military appreciation football game, a Warrior in U Run, and community service including putting American flags on vet headstones.

SINCE THE VSC OPENED IN 2011, DEMAND FOR SERVICES HAS SURGED. The VSC significantly enhances the academic and personal lives of our veteran and militaryconnected students. Over the past three academic years, the center has seen a remarkable increase in visits, reflecting its growing importance and effectiveness.

“Wow! Your center is like a large USO. You provide everything a student could ask for.”

—Military-Connected Student

Number of Visits Over the Years 12,000 Visits

12,000

as of 5/9/2025

10,000

Visits

8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000

2013-14 2012-13

2015-16

2014-15

2018-19

2017-18

2021-22

2020-21

2023-24

2022-23

2024-25

Academic Year Data is not available for academic years 2016-17 and 2019-20.

2018

2020

2021

The VSC is awarded the 2018 Informed Decision Maker of the Year award from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute in the education category.

During the pandemic, the Veterans Support Center hosts “U Vet Happy Hours” on Zoom.

The Tsuya-Stephens Endowed Scholarship is established by two donors, Oliver Tsuya and Billi Stephens, both US Army veterans.

WHY ARE STUDENTS VISITING THE VSC? Military-connected students consistently—and increasingly— utilize the services offered by the VSC. These include counseling, tutoring, admissions support, and faculty/staff issue resolution.

The top five (for the years for which data is available) are:

VA Benefit Assistance Technology, Computer, and Printing Resources Job Assistance Camaraderie Study Hall

2022

2023

The Veterans Studies Certificate launches; it aims to promote empathy and equip students with foundational knowledge to better support and relate to veterans in different settings.

The S.J. Quinney College of Law established a satellite location on campus, catering to military-connected students pursuing law degrees and providing tailored support and resources.

“Thank you for taking the time this morning to meet with me and Joshua. Your enthusiasm for the services and resources that you provide Veterans and our dependents was amazing. Joshua is even more excited now. Seeing the office, study area, and lounges was awesome.”

—Military Parent

Reason for Visit Socialize VA Benefits Computer/Printing Job Assistance Study Hall

Visits by Reason (top five) 7,000

Number of Visits

6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2017-18

2018-19

2021-22

2022-23

Academic Year Data is not available for 2016-17, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2023-24.

The U is recognized with the Military Friendly School designation—one of nine Tier 1 Research Institutions to achieve Gold Status—reflecting the university’s dedication to supporting military-affiliated students and fostering an inclusive environment.

The U is designated as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

The VSC hosts its firstever Bayonet Ceremony, celebrating 315 militaryconnected graduates for their exceptional dedication and resilience throughout their academic journeys.

VETERAN AND MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENT ENROLLMENT Growth in Enrollment Over Time 1,750

Enrollment

1,500 1,250 1,000 750 500 2012-13 2011-12

2014-15

2013-14

2016-17

2015-16

2018-19

2017-18

2020-21

2019-20

2022-23

2021-22

2024-25

2023-24

Academic Year • The 2014-15 figure is an estimate.

• The 2016-17 data only includes upper-class students.

• The 2017-18 figure is an average of the fall and spring semesters and includes military-connected students.

2024 College Consensus ranks the U as the 8th best online college for veterans.

The U graduates 464 veterans, setting a new record.

• The 2018-19 figure is an average between the fall and spring semesters.

• The 2020-21 figure is an estimate due to the impact of COVID-19.

“We heard from other parents that the University of Utah has a military residency exemption and that you [the VSC] can help us understand how to apply…it’s great that your staff helps us know about this benefit.”

—Military Parent