Celebrating Veterans Day with Gadson OMVAE

On Nov. 11, the country will celebrate Veterans Day. But at Wayne State University, support for veterans and the military-affiliated community happens year-round.

Wayne State's commitment to supporting student veterans dates to 1944 when it created the Office of Veteran Affairs to help World War II veterans continue their education, pursue vocational training and find employment. That support evolved over the decades through several offices and programs.

By the 2012-13 academic year, the university was using the name Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence (OMVAE), reflecting an expanded focus on academic success. In 2022, following a $1 million endowment pledge from College of Engineering alumnus Jim Anderson and his wife, Patti Anderson, the office was officially named in honor of Colonel Gregory Gadson, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, motivational speaker and advocate for wounded warriors.

Through Gadson OMVAE, Wayne State's military-affiliated community can access a variety of resources. The office helps students navigate financial benefits through the G.I. Bill or WSU's 50% Active Military Tuition Discount and also helps with academic advising, transfer credits and holistic review for undergraduate admissions.

"We've always seen veteran support services as academic support services," said Matthew McLain, assistant director of Gadson OMVAE. "Many institutions embed their military office within financial aid, but we are intentionally situated within academic advising. Our goal is academic success."

Gadson OMVAE also manages the Vet Success Services program, which is part of a federal TRIO grant that serves 120 qualifying students each year. Eligibility includes undergraduate veteran students who are first-generation or have low income. The program offers supplemental support services such as providing loaner laptops, tutoring and other services through partners on campus.

Some of these services can be found in the Student Veterans Resource Center on the sixth floor of the Student Center Building. The center features a computer lab with free printing, a study space and a lounge with tables, TV and a pool table.

"We are a true leader in holistic veteran support services," said McLain. "Veterans love it because it's theirs."

Student veteran Joshua Anderson found this commitment to academic success and community building incredibly valuable after returning from service. Anderson joined the U.S. Army in 2020. After multiple missions and a deployment overseas, Anderson left the service in May 2024, unsure of what to do next. He came to Wayne State to study social work. With two semesters left, he questioned whether social work was the right path and eventually switched his major to nutrition and food science.

"OMVAE helped guide me through that decision to change my major," Anderson said. "Matt was super supportive, and he knows how to navigate these things because he's been around the veteran community for so long. He was a great a confidante and helped me think about how I want to set up my life."

Through academic advising, tutoring and career counseling, OMVAE and its partners helped Anderson lower his stress around his studies and plan for the future.

"Academic success is its own kind of mission," said Anderson. "There's a well-rounded approach to academic success in the office that provides support and accountability. We have a good game plan."

In many ways, military experience helps prepare students for academic success. Anderson said his experience with stress management, time management, resiliency and persistence helped make him a better student. But the transition from military life to student life was not easy.

"As an adult learner, you come into your first year of classes with more life experiences. And as a veteran, it can be challenging to find other like-minded people," Anderson said.

OMVAE helped him find a network, community and a sense of belonging. Through events, networking and shared spaces like the Student Veterans Resource Center, student veterans have opportunities to connect, get to know one another and help each other out. Now, Anderson is president of the Student Veterans Organization.

"Veterans come from all walks of life, and the veteran community is super diverse. But we see other veterans and can immediately bond," said Anderson. "There will always be a transitional period, but please know that you are not alone when you leave the service. We are here, and we care. We will always have that community."

This year for Veterans Day, Gadson OMVAE will partner with the College of Nursing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the BSN for Veterans program.

"Our student veterans and military-affiliated students bring tremendous experience, leadership, and perspective to Wayne State, and we have a responsibility to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed," said Dr. Christina L. Bloebaum, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "That means providing more than education benefits. It means creating a supportive community, helping students navigate their academic journeys, and preparing them for success beyond graduation. Programs like Gadson OMVAE and BSN for Veterans demonstrate that commitment in meaningful ways."

Gadson OMVAE is located on the sixth floor of the Student Center Building and invites all military-affiliated students to come stop by for resources and to join events. Follow the Student Veterans Organization on Instagram @wsu_svo.