News and Events
New scholarship program expands educational access for veterans and military-connected individuals
Fisher College of Business and the National Veterans Leadership Foundation launch initiative to support lifelong learning
COLUMBUS, OH ― The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business, in collaboration with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF), has announced the launch of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation Scholarship Program at Fisher.
The initiative aims to broaden educational opportunities for veterans and military-connected individuals, reinforcing Fisher and NVLF’s shared commitment to empowering service members and their families through access to world-class business education.
“We are honored to collaborate with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation in enhancing our long-standing support for service members and their families,” said Trevor Brown, interim dean at Fisher College of Business. “The NVLF Scholarship Program unites our expertise in delivering world-class business education with the needs of veterans and military-connected individuals who are eager to advance their careers as leaders and professionals.”
The program provides financial support to military-connected individuals, if selected, enabling them to enroll in specialized Executive Education programs at Fisher. These two-day, on-campus experiences are designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of professionals, offering focused learning on critical industry topics such as finance, leadership, business analytics, artificial intelligence, information technology, and supply chain management.
Thanks to NVLF funding, Fisher will award two scholarships for each of its 15 Executive Education programs, making high-quality business education more accessible to the military community. This initiative equips participants with essential skills and knowledge that align with the evolving needs of today’s industries and businesses.
“There is no better institution to pilot this program than The Ohio State University, with its rich history of service and dedication to the military,” said Jim Miller, president of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation. “This scholarship initiative offers a tremendous opportunity for veterans and military-connected individuals to enhance their leadership skills and explore how lifelong learning at Fisher — one of the nation’s premier business schools — can position them for greater success and impact.”
The program builds on Fisher’s and Ohio State’s well-established reputations as military-friendly institutions. Fisher has been consistently recognized as a leader in supporting military-connected individuals by USA Today, G.I. Jobs, and the Military Times.
Ohio State has also been ranked as one of the top universities for military-connected students by U.S. News & World Report, recently placing 15th among public institutions and 22nd overall in the 2025 rankings, moving up two spots from the previous year.
In addition, Ohio State was one of the first institutions to receive the Collegiate Purple Star, an award recognizing Ohio colleges and universities that are especially supportive of military-connected students. The university serves more than 2,100 military-connected students and is home to approximately 1,600 faculty and staff members who have served in the armed forces.
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation is dedicated to improving the transition experience for military-connected students, equipping them to excel both academically and professionally. Through partnerships with leading universities across the country, NVLF fosters programs and services that provide comprehensive support, advancing academic achievement and a sense of belonging for military-connected students.
About The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business
The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business provides tomorrow’s business leaders with the foundation needed to succeed in business today. Fisher students experience an academically rigorous learning environment, led by world-class faculty, which fosters their development as principled leaders who possess an entrepreneurial spirit, global awareness and a commitment to social responsibility. Organizations from around the globe thrive under the leadership of Fisher alumni, who positively impact their communities and the world.
Michael Carrell Named to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Michael Carrell, Chief Operating Officer of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF), has been named to the prestigious Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Since its inception in 1992, the Hall of Fame has inducted 974 veterans who have continued to serve their communities, state, and nation after their military careers through volunteerism, public service, and advocacy. Each year, an executive committee of veterans’ organizations selects up to 20 honorees.
“I am humbled to be chosen and included with such a distinguished class this year and among the heroes who went before us,” said Carrell. “I am honored to continue serving veterans and their families with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and through my time at Ohio State University.”
After retiring as an Air Force colonel, Carrell spent 13 years shaping military support programs in higher education. At The Ohio State University, he established and led the Military & Veterans Services Office, transforming it into a national model with top rankings for its support of military-connected students. Carrell also co-chaired key initiatives like the Ohio Military Strategic Implementation Team and the Ohio Veterans Education Council.
“Universities that embrace military-connected students and make them feel at home are better positioned for the future,” said Carrell. “These students bring unique perspectives, and once they graduate, they continue to serve their communities in extraordinary ways. Ohio has been a leader in ensuring this group receives strong support, both in higher education and in the wider community.”
At NVLF, Carrell has overseen the expansion of the organization’s partnerships from 16 to over 75 universities, impacting more than 40,000 military-connected students. His work has led to the creation of programs that improve student outcomes in education and careers.
Carrell’s volunteer service includes work with Veteran Companion Animal Services and the Columbus Rotary Club. He also contributed to the passage of Ohio House Bill 64, setting new standards for veteran support in higher education.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center in Columbus.
Laura Gaines Joins NVLF Team
We are thrilled to welcome Laura Gaines to the NVLF team! Laura, an OSU alumna and military spouse for over 20 years, brings a deep passion for supporting military families and an impressive 21-year background in customer service management, business administration, project & systems management, and corporate training.
NVLF Chief Operating Officer Mike Carrell shared his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly fortunate to have Laura join our organization. Her professionalism will elevate our collaborations with partner and affiliated universities, directly benefiting military-connected students. Laura’s work will touch every aspect of our operations, helping us advance the future of our nation’s heroes.”
As the NVLF’s Program Assistant, Laura will be integral in managing and expanding our programming and events across universities, including initiatives with Military Community Advocates, career panels, the Leadership Fellows and the Advancement Institute. Additionally, she will lead the administration of grants for our partners, playing a key role as NVLF grows and affiliates with more states and national organizations.
National Veterans Leadership Foundation’s 2024 Advancement Institute: Elevating Support for Military-Affiliated Students
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) recently hosted its 2024 Advancement Institute, offering a unique platform for college Military & Veteran directors, development officers, career service leaders, and marketing and communication professionals from the NVLF’s 16 National Partner institutions. This year’s event, held in Dallas, Texas, provided an unparalleled opportunity for participants to gain new knowledge, insights, and inspiration by leveraging the collective wisdom of their peers.
Through expert presentations and collaborative brainstorming sessions, attendees crafted actionable plans to enhance support for military-affiliated students across their campuses. A highlight of the Institute was the afternoon sessions at the George W. Bush Institute on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus, culminating in a reception that fostered further networking and collaboration.
Topics of discussion included:
• Campus challenges for military-veteran directors
• Career internships for military-connected students
• Communication best practices
• Employee Resource Groups
• Building relationships with corporate and company partners
• Campus-to-career advice
The three-day event featured distinguished speakers, including:
• Jennifer Chilman, Assistant Director of Employer Engagement and Internships at Ohio State University
• D’Jaun Wilcher, Director of the Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute
• Sam De La Garza, Senior Manager for Truck Product Planning at Toyota
• Linwood Ham, Director of Mid-Atlantic Region and Military & Veteran Affairs for Boeing
• Denis Simon, Senior VP at Challenger, Gray and Christmas
• Julia O’Hickey, Whitestone REIT
• Kurt Pottkotter, Executive Deputy Director of Athletics/COO at SMU
• Anthony Brock, Executive Director at the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute
The NVLF’s Advancement Institute stands as a unique forum, uniting campus teams with a shared goal of amplifying both internal and external awareness and assistance for military-connected students. Through the collaborative efforts of participants, the Institute continues to drive forward the mission of enhancing the educational experience and support structures for veterans and military-affiliated students.
2024 Leadership Fellows Successfully Complete Intensive Three-Day Workshop
The NVLF recognizes students who take the initiative to support veterans and other military-connected peers on their campuses through the NVLF Leadership Fellowship program. The 2024 NVLF Leadership Fellows participated in an intensive three-day workshop in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at enhancing their leadership and communication skills. The NVLF extends its gratitude to Major General Tim Zadalis (USAF, Ret.), the Dean of the NVLF Leadership Program, and the team of experienced leadership experts who volunteered their time to mentor the fellows.
Workshops were led by distinguished professionals including:
• Lt Col Jason Galui, US Army (Ret), Director of Military Veterans and Families at the George W. Bush Institute
• CDR D’Juan Wilcher, US Navy (Ret), Deputy Director of Military Veterans and Families at the George W. Bush Institute
• Margaret Pomfret, Former Executive Vice President at Ohio Dominican University
• Ryan Lovell, AVP of Student Life at The Ohio State University
• Captain Jason Warner, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer at the Naval Supply Corps School
• Betsy Hubbard, NVLF
• Robinson Joseph, CMSgt, US Air Force (Ret), and Dr. Leenette Joseph, CMSgt, US Air Force (Ret), Co-Founders of RLK Team Solutions
• NVLF Board Members Jody Davids, Joe Alutto, and Stuart Burgdoerfer
• Janet Steinbacher, Ohio State University, Program Manager for Student Initiatives
The NVLF Leadership Fellowship recognizes students for their hard work and provides them with valuable skills to become better leaders in their communities. We applaud the 2024 fellows for their dedication to serving the military community and are excited to see the positive impact they will make in the future.
National Veterans Leadership Foundation Launches its First Class of Military-Connected Student Entrepreneurs
New Albany, Ohio (September 30, 2023)
Today, the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) announced the names of the 12 veterans and military-connected students who will serve in the NVLF’s first class of Entrepreneurship Military Community Advocates (EMCAs) program.
The newly selected class represents 11 colleges and universities from across the country. The 12 student leaders will each receive a service scholarship to help support their higher education studies as well as additional financial support to advance a project the students develop to establish a more veteran-inclusive culture on their respective campuses. Each EMCA will work with a faculty lead on their respective campus to develop and complete a project, based on local needs, to assist military-connected students interested in entrepreneurship on their campus.
The 2023 NVLF Entrepreneurship MCAs are:
- John McCabe Ashland University
- Gage Brunswick Columbus State Community College
- Nathan Eapen Cornell University
- Leslie “Nikki” Womack-Young LeMoyne College
- Tutu Wah University of Nebraska
- Nicholas Wolcott University of Nebraska
- Elizabeth KruggelThe Ohio State University
- Haze Orner Penn State University
- James “Andy” Burnett University of South Florida
- Jared Brooks University of Texas-Dallas
- Gabriella Leon University of Texas-San Antonio
- Desiree Melemai West Virginia University
“The NVLF is so blessed to have the support of Tim and Kathleen Keenan to help launch this program. Tim having served as a United States Marine is the perfect role model for any aspiring military-connected student,” said James D. Miller, NVLF President and Founder. “These student leaders most certainly will personally benefit from this experience but will also make a difference for other military-connected students on their campus interested in becoming entrepreneurs.”
“Kathleen and I are deeply committed to creating pathways for military-connected students to pursue careers as entrepreneurs,” said Tim Keenan, Co-founder of the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Military Community Advocates Program
The NVLF Entrepreneurship Military Community Advocates (EMCAs) program is a leadership opportunity for students to learn about entrepreneurship, build their professional network, and identify what service looks like in this chapter of their lives. The program consists of each EMCA working with a faculty lead on each campus to determine local needs and completing programming to meet those. Campus work is augmented by a national curriculum delivered by the NVLF team followed by an end-of-course event. Students are also part of the National MCA network affording opportunities to further develop their leadership skills.
University Entrepreneurship Allies
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation allies with universities with Centers for Entrepreneurship, and strong support for military-connected students. Current Entrepreneurship allies include Ashland University, Columbus State Community College, Cornell University, LeMoyne College, University of Nebraska (2), The Ohio State University, Penn State University, University of South Florida, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at San Antonio, West Virginia University.
About the Tim & Kathleen Keenan Centers for Entrepreneurship
Tim & Kathleen Keenan have established two Centers for Entrepreneurship at The Ohio State University and at LeMoyne College, to grow and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, through the creation and support of new ventures and the education and encouragement of their founders. The centers provide a campus-wide hub for collaboration and engagement with early-stage capital, startup talent and robust programming resources to maximize opportunities for social and economic impact.
About the National Veterans Leadership Foundation
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation partners with America’s colleges and universities to advance the futures of our nation’s veteran and military-connected students through service scholarships, leadership development, and campuswide military community inclusion. For more information on the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and the impact of the EMCA program, please visit NVLFoundation.org.
2023 Fellows attend three-day leadership workshop
College students with military connections have a strong desire to serve, which often begins on their own campus by assisting other military-affiliated students. The NVLF recognizes students who take the initiative and support veterans and other military-connected students on their campus through the NVLF Leadership Fellowship program.
The 2023 fellows had the opportunity to attend an intensive, three-day workshop in Columbus, Ohio, designed to support and improve their leadership and communication skills. The NVLF is grateful to Major General Tim Zadalis (USAF, Ret.), the Dean of the leadership program, and a team of experienced leadership experts who volunteered their time to work with the fellows.
Workshops were led by Dr. Jason “JW” Womack, Development Branch Chief, U.S. Space Force, Lt. Colonel Doug Freeman, Chief, ISR & Cyber Transformation; Chief, Diversity & Inclusion, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Dr. Ray Luther, Executive Director, Partnership for Coaching Excellence and Personal Leadership, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Jennifer Campbell, Director, Talent Management, Wexner Medical Center, Jody Davids, NVLF Board Member and former CIO, Pepsico, and Dr. Clark Backus, Global Head of Leadership Development, Willis Towers Watson.
The NVLF Leadership Fellowship recognizes students for their hard work and provides them with valuable skills to become better leaders in their communities. We applaud the 2023 fellows for their dedication to serving the military community and are excited to see the positive impact they will make in the future.
2023 Advancement Institute helps colleges support their military-connected community
The 2023 Advancement Institute was a valuable experience for dedicated professionals who work towards supporting the military-connected community on their campuses. Held in Columbus, Ohio, the event brought together teams from various colleges, each consisting of a Mil-Vet director, a development officer, and a communication professional. The objective of the event was to collaborate and work together to plan how programming for military students on their respective campuses can be improved and expanded.
The institute provided a unique opportunity for the participating professionals to gain new knowledge, insights, and inspiration from their peers. Through expert presentations and brainstorming sessions, the teams developed plans to enhance the support provided to military students on their campuses.
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation Honors Top Military-Connected Students
Today, the National Veterans Leadership Foundation announced their 2023 National Fellows, recognizing top military-connected students (veteran, active duty, reserve, National Guard, ROTC, spouses and dependents) for both their service and their leadership potential.
The newly selected class represents colleges and universities from across the country. The 16 students will take part in a six-month development program designed to help them grow as leaders, continue their lives of service and make a positive impact on the military-connected community on their campuses. In addition, each fellow will receive a scholarship to help support their higher education studies.
The NVLF partners with a diverse range of institutions who are committed to serving veterans and other military-connected students. Each year, National Alliance partners nominate top students for the NVLF Leadership Fellow program.
The 2023 NVLF Leadership Fellows are:
- Gwendalyn Smith – Ashland University
- Dwight Williams II – Columbus State Community College
- Christopher Mahn – Cornell University
- China Abron-Roots – Howard University
- Nikki Morse – Norfolk State University
- Edwin V. Juarez, Sr. – The Ohio State University
- John Buckley – Penn State University
- Adiba Hassan – University of California, Los Angeles
- Aurora Turner – University of Kansas
- Jenalee Wimer – University of Nebraska
- Chad Lutz – University of South Florida
- Cat Kim – University of Texas-Dallas
- Onica Stapleton – University of Texas-Dallas
- Gabriel Zavala – University of Texas-San Antonio
- Leah Henning – University of Wisconsin
- Benjamin DeRoos – West Virginia University
“NVLF Fellows have a deep commitment to service and are dedicated to improving the higher education experience for the military-connected students on their campuses,” said James Miller, NVLF President and Founder. “The fellowship program brings together leadership experts to work with students who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those around them.”
“Returning to school after serving your country—or balancing schoolwork with the responsibilities of still serving in uniform—is a challenge,” notes Major General Timothy Zadalis (USAF, Retired), Dean of the NVLF Fellowship Program. “Student leaders play a critical role in helping create an inclusive campus that supports the military-connected community.”
Colonel Mike Carrell Joins National Veterans Leadership Foundation
Retired Colonel Mike Carrell joins the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) as the new vice president for strategy & university engagement. Carrell will lead the consortium of partner schools in the NVLF’s national alliance, partnering with university presidents, military and veterans’ offices. He will also work closely with university development offices, career services offices and others to deliver better services and outcomes for their military-connected students. Additionally, he will develop and execute plans to engage other higher education institutions in areas such as public policy, entrepreneurship, and career services as the NVLF grows their national footprint.
“The NVLF is so blessed to have Colonel Carrell join the team,” said Jim Miller, president and CEO of NVLF. “He is a nationally recognized expert in helping veteran and military connected students successfully transition into college life and then ultimately the next chapter of professional service.”
Colonel Carrell brings an extensive amount of experience and expertise to NVLF. Carrell completed a successful Air Force career in air operations, NORAD, which entailed operational planning, overseeing headquarters staff, and education. He retired as a Colonel after 23 years of military service.
Carrell then joined The Ohio State University where he developed and launched The Ohio State University’s Military and Veterans Services Office which is a top-tier national exemplar— rated first in the nation for two years. He also served as a senior academic administrator, professor and department chair in his 12 years at Ohio State.
Carrell was also instrumental in building cross-university organizations as the founder of the Ohio Veteran Education Council and the Big 10’s Military Office Alliance. He worked closely with state leaders to develop and co-chair the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Military Strategic Implementation Team (MSIT) to promote policy and programs for military members and their families across all 36 public institutions.
“I am excited to formalize my relationship with the NVLF after the last two years of serving with them as a volunteer,” said Colonel Carrell. “The work of the NVLF allows me to continue serving military-connected individuals and families and is really an extension of my life’s work over the last 35 years in the military and higher education. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated professionals at NVLF, to give back to our service members and families, and to have a chance to make such a large impact at the national level.”