FSU Hosts NC’s Largest Military Conference for Student Veterans in Higher Education

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., (May 13, 2022) - Fayetteville State University recently hosted North Carolina's largest conference for student veterans in higher education, May 11. The NC Student Transition Resource Initiative for Veteran's Education (STRIVE) Conference included participation of over 50 North Carolina public and private institutions of higher education.

"This growing, collaborative event among UNC System schools, community colleges and numerous other North Carolina colleges, universities, companies and organizations is indicative of our dedication to the success and achievement of military students and their families as well as those entrusted to support them," said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison during his conference welcome. Under the theme, "Adapt and Overcome," this year's conference featured keynote speakers: Sarah Plummer Taylor, founder of Semper Sarah; Michael R. Rodriguez, CEO of GWOT Memorial Foundation as well as several other guest speakers discussing relevant topics such as mental health, veteran and military spouse employment, military culture for faculty and staff, diversity, equity and inclusion, supporting adult learners and HBCUs and more. In addition to an engaging military student panel discussion, the conference provided numerous breakout sessions and networking opportunities designed around the needs and concerns of veterans and military-connected students. Formed in 2015, NC STRIVE is a consortium of two- and four-year colleges along with federal and state agencies who plan, organize, and sponsor a yearly conference offering resources to veterans and educators of veterans to increase awareness and knowledge of issues affecting veterans and their families transitioning from the military to the academic setting. NC Strive is a project of the Governor's Institute and the North Carolina Governor's Working Group.