Ever wonder what it takes to truly support our nation’s heroes in higher education? WSU Global Campus just unveiled a game-changing role dedicated entirely to veterans and military-affiliated students, led by an inspiring veteran. Discover how this new initiative is transforming academic journeys and why tailored support is making all the difference. What do you think is the most crucial aspect of veteran student success?
Washington State University Global Campus is significantly enhancing its commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students (VMAS) by establishing a pioneering new role. This initiative, designed to streamline vital services, underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a supportive and accessible higher education environment for those who have served.
Leading this crucial new endeavor is Jadon Hawkins, an esteemed Army National Guard veteran, who brings nearly three decades of service experience to his position. Hawkins’s extensive background uniquely positions him to spearhead this comprehensive effort, ensuring Global Campus military students receive the tailored assistance they need to thrive academically and personally.
His core responsibilities encompass the exclusive processing of VA education benefits for Global Campus students, a critical service that previously faced demand-related challenges. Beyond benefits, Hawkins is tasked with connecting students to a wide array of resources, including academic support, VA navigation, medical and dental benefits, scholarship opportunities, career assistance, and essential mental health services. This focus on individual student success is paramount.
The creation of this dedicated role powerfully illustrates Global Campus’s deep-rooted commitment to its veteran and military community, which constitutes a significant 9% of its student body. This strategic move further solidifies Global Campus’s reputation, highlighted by its 2025 ranking among the top 10 nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, reinforcing its higher education initiatives.
Hawkins’s own journey, from joining the Army National Guard in 1996 and serving tours in Germany, Kosovo, and Iraq, to earning his degree at WSU while working in Veteran & Military-Affiliated Student Services (VMASS), provides invaluable empathy and insight. His personal understanding of the challenges associated with navigating VA education benefits and transitioning to civilian academic life ensures a relatable and effective support system for veteran support.
Previously, Global Campus students relied on WSU Pullman’s veterans’ office for VA education benefits, a system often strained by high demand. The new position ensures that WSU Global Campus students are Hawkins’s sole focus, allowing for timely, concentrated support tailored to the unique needs of online learners, including those actively serving, and contributing to overall student success.
Furthering his mission, Hawkins is championing initiatives such as the “Green Zone” virtual training, a program modeled on nationally recognized military support efforts. This training, open to all Global Campus students, faculty, and staff, aims to foster mutual understanding and respect by educating participants about military culture, language, and organizational structures, alongside higher education dynamics. This higher education initiative promotes an inclusive environment.
Additionally, Hawkins is a staff sponsor for a newly established student club, scheduled for its inaugural meeting on September 2nd. This club will provide a supportive community for veterans, military-affiliated students, and their allies, offering a vital space for connection and shared experiences, thereby bolstering student success within the Global Campus community.
Through these multifaceted efforts—from personalized VA education benefits assistance to community-building initiatives—Jadon Hawkins and WSU Global Campus are working diligently to ensure that those who have served our country, and their families, receive unparalleled veteran support on their path to academic and professional achievement.
