As part of a statewide effort to help veterans pursue higher education, Oakland University is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network and the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency to bring a full-time Veteran Resource Representative to campus.
This new position, supported by OU and the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative (MVEI), enables OU’s Office of Veterans Support Services (VSS) to host a full-time staff member employed by the state.
Effective July 4, Jeffrey Schuett has been hired to fill this new role. He previously served as OU’s veteran liaison, a part-time student employee position that’s been replaced by the Veteran Resource Representative role.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for OU and the State of Michigan to work together on behalf of student veterans,” said Schuett, himself an OU student veteran who served in the United States Navy. “Prior to this position becoming available, the VSS office was entirely run by student employees and two work-studies.”
Along with helping student veterans access their education benefits, Veteran Resource Representatives have a range of responsibilities, including conducting personal interviews with veterans to assess needs, coordinating activities with the Student Veterans of America, and serving as an advocate for veterans on campus and in the community.
“Because this job is in partnership with the state, the new full-time Veteran Resource Representative will be up to date on the latest training and legislation that pertains to veterans and their benefits as it filters down from federal to state to localized areas,” said Glenn McIntosh, OU’s vice president for student affairs.
Leonard Rusher, MVEI program manager, added, “(We are) excited to have OU on board as part of our family of 13 colleges and universities. Our primary goal is to foster partnerships between the State and educational entities to provide training for our Veteran Resource Representatives and provide veterans service outreach activities on the campuses of postsecondary institutions.”
OU’s student population includes more than 300 veterans. To learn more about OU’s Office of Veterans Support Services, visit oakland.edu/veterans.