Washburn University offers a wide range of services to support student success. Among these are resources for veterans that recognize the discipline, leadership, and real-world experience shaped by military service. 

Military Student resource center includes active duty members, veterans, guardsman and military families who balance academic goals with the values learned through the service. Their backgrounds range across all the branches and roles from the technical fields to leadership and positions.

At Washburn, these students continue their commitment to the service by pursuing education, supporting one another and contributing to campus life with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.

“The Washburn Veterans and Military club helps students who are new and have never been to college get through all the red tape and find the right offset paperwork,” said Chris Bowers, military transition coordinator. “They [Students] get to share their frustrations and their triumphs. They feel like there’s others who have shared the same experiences before they got here and we’ve got a place to come and relax and they’ve got others who can help them get through their struggles while they’re here. They also have people who can help them study for exams and get through the trials and tribulations.” 

Bowers shares that when he first came to Washburn, many things were unfamiliar and confusing and he wished there had been someone to help guide them. Four years later, when he graduated, he realized he had become that person for others.

Student veteran Jake Kornischuk shares his experience and the knowledge he gained, highlighting the services and support Washburn provides for veteran students.

“I was a C-130 crew chief, kind of a general aircraft mechanic,” Kornischuk said. “So, I’d fly with the plane all over the states and deploy with them. I just kind of overall enjoyed it. A lot of different knowledge to be had, a lot of different people interacting with and learning from them and kind of just having a good time.” 

Kornischuk said that the military student resource center has kept up signs especially during Military Appreciation Month and displays flags for the Veterans Day Memorial program. He added that they are considering shirts and pins for members to wear so they can be more visible and easily recognized.

“The club helps build a better community between all of us by having monthly meetings and at the end of the year or end of the semester depending, we all get together and have dinner or food in the office,” said Julie Bonner, secretary and social media manager. “It impacts the students around campus by having a second home. The group kind of helps me build my professional leadership skills by kind of getting me out of my comfort zone.”

Washburn University provides over $53 million each year in federal, state, institutional-outside resources and military-connected students can access special education benefits that may include tuition, books, training and even vocational rehabilitation for those with service connected disabilities. Veterans have access to veterans affairs education support, campus services and a community that understands their needs and supports their goals. 

Through their dedication, experience and leadership, veterans at Washburn not only achieve their own goals but also enrich the campus community, inspire their peers and create a lasting culture of service and support for those who follow.

Edited by Arohi Rai and Bidhya Sapkota