In 2008, only two veterans attended Southwestern University. Fast forward to 2011 when that small population doubled, and the Southwestern Veterans Association was established. To date, Southwestern has nearly 70 veterans and military beneficiaries attending the university, and the Southwestern University Veterans Association is quickly adapting to this growing trend. Most recently, the SUVA received the news that the organization has been accepted as a chapter of the national organization, Student Veterans of America.

“This is a significant milestone in creating an atmosphere that identifies the issues that Student Veterans face, and establishes systems to aid Student Veterans in their journey,” says SUVA CEO, Jacob White, Class of 2018. “Because we’re now a part of SVA, our student veterans and veteran beneficiaries are now eligible to apply for $74,000 in scholarships that are offered at a national level, a multitude of professional development training, faculty and staff Veteran support training; and a network of brothers and sisters who are going through the same challenges.”

White served on active duty in the Army for six years and was a combat medic, assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood. He transferred to Southwestern from ACC during the Spring 2015 semester and eventually joined SUVA, where his interest in the program grew. In Fall 2015, the opportunity to lead the organization was presented and at that time, White became the new SUVA CEO. White believes the growing veteran population at Southwestern is a sign of the times.

“A lot of that has to do with that fact that we are the closest liberal arts institution to largest military installation in the country,” says White. “Our country is at a time where we are having a huge draw-down from international conflicts, so there are a lot of military members that are getting out of Fort Hood and deciding to switch gears in their life.”

White and the SUVA are keeping up with the growing number of student veterans by creating both short and long-term goals. This semester, the goals included applying to become a chapter of the SVA, and reforming and rewriting the constitution – modeling the SUVA after a small business.

“The reason we did that is because we wanted each person to have full say in what’s going on,” says White. “There are no stipulations on who they (members) need to be if they want to be a part of our organization.”

White says it is very rewarding that the SUVA has achieved these goals – particularly earning SVA chapter status.

“It’s exhilarating, it’s really great to see some of our hard work being paid off, and I’m really excited at the opportunities that this presents for our student veterans on campus,” says White. “I would encourage any and all veterans to plug themselves in somewhere.”

Next up on the list of long-term goals: applying for grant money for a new veterans resource center. White’s personal goal is to have that by the end of 2017, but says that isn’t set in stone. As far as short term goals, White and SUVA are gearing up for their first-ever Non-Traditional Student Job and Internship Fair on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCombs Campus Center. An anticipated 40 to 50 vendors and hundreds of students are expected to attend. While the job fair will have a particular focus on the non-traditional student population (Student Veterans, Transfer Students, Working Students, etc.), it is open to all students and job seekers.

The SUVA also has monthly meetings and social gatherings and invites any student interested in the organization, to join. To learn more, e-mail su-va@southwestern.edu.