For military veterans the transition from a structured life of service to the often-unpredictable world of academia is a formidable challenge. But at FAMU, veterans do not have to face the transition alone.
Much of that support is centralized in the FAMU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, a office that serves as both a quiet refuge between classes veterans and a bustling hub for building the community that is vital to student success.
The office is more than a resource center; it is the engine for a multi-layered support system. It hosts student success programming and community events designed to ease the transition to campus life. Critically, it also embeds a Department of Veterans Affairs social worker on campus to assist students in navigating the often-byzantine processes of setting up educational benefits and accessing health care.
“Our mission is to ensure that every student who has served, and their families, feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed from the moment they arrive on campus,” said Louis Dilbert director of the office.
Peer connection is the bedrock of this mission. Through the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program, new student veterans are paired with peer advisors who help them navigate the university landscape. In a significant expansion this year, the program has been extended to military dependents, piloting a new team to support a population that organizers say is often overlooked.
“Creating a sense of belonging is the first step to academic achievement,” Dilbert added. “By connecting them with a peer who understands their unique experience, we build a foundation for that belonging.”
"At FAMU, we understand that our university must play a vital role in translating appreciation for our veterans into action by working with our community and employer partners to expand access, reduce barriers, and build clear, accelerate pathways for veterans to thrive before, during, and after their postsecondary education,” said William Hudson, Jr., VP of Student Affairs. "Our goal and our mission is to make their transition as seamless as possible."
Recognizing that support must extend beyond its own walls, the office is also piloting a new training program for faculty and staff. The initiative aims to better prepare university employees to understand and support the needs of military-affiliated students. Departments that achieve 85% participation will earn a “Veteran Ready Organization” designation, a signal of the university’s institutional commitment.
Together, these programs form a comprehensive net of support for students stepping out of uniform and into classrooms. The efforts work to build something simple yet essential: a campus where veterans are not just enrolled, but are welcomed, understood, and encouraged to thrive in the years following their service.
For its efforts, FAMU has earned the recognition as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for being military and veteran friendly from the Florida Legislature.
At FAMU, the message to those who have served is clear—their next mission to gaining a high-quality education is one they will not have to undertake alone.