The W.A. Franke College of Business’ Veteran Student Center: Supporting our Veteran Students at any Stage of their NAU Journey
By: The W.A. Franke College Of Business
Tags: Veterans, Business, Nau, Education, Frankecollegeofbusiness

Zach Hamilton, Franke Veteran Student Center Coordinator

The W.A. Franke College of Business offers numerous degrees and certificates, as well as provides many student support systems within the college. One such vital resource is the Veteran Student Center, conveniently located in the Franke building for its students. Northern Arizona University has a university-wide initiative to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all veterans. The FCB Veteran Student Center is dedicated to the support of veterans who attend our business school so that their next chapter is as seamless and rewarding as possible.

The list of available programs and support systems offered by the Veteran Student Center is seemingly endless. Zach Hamilton, a veteran and NAU alumnus, runs the Veteran Student Center in the Franke College building. Hamilton was kind enough to speak to all the excellent work that goes on in this specialized center.

Hamilton spoke to how both Student Veteran Centers on campus are primarily social spaces where military veterans, and dependents, can find people with shared experiences and build a community on-campus. Secondly, each center provides a computer lab and collaborative learning spaces for group work.

“Lastly, in addition to the programs I manage, students can also come to me with any questions or issues they’re having with VA benefits. Also, I make a fresh pot of coffee every day,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton first came to Northern Arizona University as a student and has since worked for the university in various roles and capacities. First, Hamilton worked as a student worker, then as a Student Service Coordinator, and has been in his current role in the FCB Veteran Student Center for three years now. Hamilton’s career evolution is not unlike many others, but his past experiences make him an ideal fit for his work. He spoke to how his past experiences inform the work he performs at his center.

“I think that my experience coming to NAU as a veteran helps me understand the student veterans who come to NAU, both in the challenges they are faced with, as well as the experience and perspective they bring to the classroom, and also the value they possess to potential employers,” Hamilton said.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing this unique population of students?

“I think the biggest challenge facing my students is one that many non-traditional students face. There are age and experience gaps between them and their peers in the classroom, and this can make it difficult to find common interests with other students. Additionally, many of my students have families and other responsibilities to manage in addition to pursuing their education.”

Significant and varied challenges illuminate the importance of providing specialized resources to unique populations as NAU and The W.A. Franke College of Business offer. Due to the work of Franke’s and NAU’s centers, as well as the faculty and staff who support veteran students, NAU has been noted as an excellent choice for veterans to study. Named “Best for Vets” by Military Times is one of the many acknowledgments NAU has received. Hamilton draws on his own experiences drive his work.

“I remember when I was in my first year as a student here, and I didn’t know anybody in Flagstaff. I felt isolated both in the classroom and outside of it. I started working at the Vet Center and found a few veterans who I am still friends with today,” Hamilton said.

“Fast forward to the present, and we have a vibrant, close-knit community of veterans here on campus. I think it’s really important to facilitate the development of that community because it really helps new students integrate into campus life.”

One of Northern Arizona University’s Jacks Big IDEA winners, Anthony Kiefer, has first-hand experience with this invaluable resource and the support offered to incoming and current students. “Everyone there is really great, and the services they provide are excellent. For an older student like me, it’s nice to have a place where I can go and be around people who aren’t 18,” Kiefer said. “They helped me hit the ground running when I decided in November to attend the spring semester. I had been away from school for 15 years, and a lot of the process has changed…I imagine if they weren’t there, it would have been like the first time I went to college out of high school, clueless, doing everything wrong… they are vital, and a good thing in the world.”

The W.A. Franke College of Business is committed to creating a campus culture that is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive of all veterans and military-affiliated members and their families. Hamilton is a very active contributor to this mission as he works with veteran students at any phase in their educational career. Naturally, he has many note-worthy accomplishments.

“There are a lot of great programs that I have been fortunate to play a role in: the Veteran Emergency Fund, the Executive Job Shadow program, and the Military Leadership Program for MBA students,” Hamilton said.

“These are great programs that provide opportunities and assistance to students. I think I’m most proud of the moments when I have the opportunity to make a big difference in a student’s life by solving an issue for them.”

Hamilton has offered “Finances for veterans” in the past as well as keeping up on the ever-changing landscape of educational needs and veteran benefits. One of Hamilton’s most favorite activities that he has offered to students is quite a trip.

“The best one is the three-day Grand Canyon Raft trip we offer to new students,” Hamilton said.

While facing obstacles, there is still much to look forward to, and Hamilton’s center has not skipped a beat. Remaining open and seeing any student needing assistance through many safe platforms, the Veteran Student Center has remained an active student resource. Hamilton offered sage advice, as someone who has been through it all and now helps others do the same.

“I would encourage all veterans in college to remember that their military experience can add tremendous value to the in-class discussion. Likewise, you can learn a lot from your peers in the classroom, if you keep an open mind to them.”

Written by: Cynthia Gerber

The W. A. Franke College of Business