2026 NVLF LEADERSHIP FORUM
A National Gathering Committed to Enhancing Higher Education for Military-Connected Students
JUNE 17-18 | Columbus, Ohio
Each year, the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) brings together campus leaders, military-connected students, and key allies who are committed to strengthening the higher education experience for those who have served.
The NVLF Leadership Forum is designed to foster meaningful collaboration and build momentum for progress. By bringing together student leaders, campus professionals, and partners, the Forum creates space for diverse perspectives that help shape effective strategies and informed decision-making.
Wednesday, June 17 – Blackwell Hotel, Pfahl Hall, Room 140
NVLF STUDENT LEADERSHIP FELLOWS + MIL-VET ALLIES
The first day features a collaborative session that brings together NVLF Leadership Fellows, Military & Veterans Directors, and campus allies. Participants will explore practical strategies and proven models that support military-connected students. Through open discussion and shared experiences, attendees gain new insights and ideas they can take back to their campuses.
This day’s agenda is still being finalized and may be adjusted.
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | BREAKFAST, Daley Family Pavilion |
| 8:45-9:00 a.m. vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv | WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS |
| 9:00-9:45 a.m. | KEYNOTE: LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND IMPACT D’Juan Wilcher, Deputy Director, Veterans and Military Families, George W. Bush Presidential Center How does the work we do on college campuses impact military-connected students? Where does this fit in higher education, our communities, and the nation? |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | BREAK |
| 10:00-10:45 a.m. | THE STUDENT SUCCESS JOURNEY Russ Klein, former CEO, American Marketing Association Apply customer experience thinking to higher education—map the student journey, identify friction points, and design more intentional, supportive campus experiences. |
| 10:45-11:00 a.m. | BREAK |
| 11:00-11:45 a.m. | TELL YOUR STORY | CASE STUDIES Gain insights and ideas on how to “uncamouflage” military-connected students and highlight their contributions to campus life. |
| 11:45-Noon | Connection and Engagement |
| Noon-1:00 p.m. | LUNCH + Reporting Out (1:00-1:15 pm) |
| 1:15-1:45 p.m. | OWN YOUR CAREER Mary Whitney Ferriter, Project Communications Lead, Bechtel Corporation Practical guidance on navigating your path—clarifying goals, building your story, and taking ownership of what comes next. |
| 1:45-2:00 p.m. | BREAK |
| 2:00-2:45 p.m. | THE EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE Mike Lanese, Co-Founder/CEO, OnSeen, Inc. Hear directly from employers on what matters most—how to better align campus efforts with workforce needs and prepare students for successful transitions. |
| 2:45-3:15 p.m. | BREAK | GROUP PHOTOS |
| 3:15-4:00 p.m. | BUILDING UNIVERSITY ALLIES Joseph A. Alutto, former Dean, Fisher College of Business; twice interim President, The Ohio State University Strategies for gaining buy-in, building partnerships, and creating campus-wide support for the success of military-connected students. |
| 4:00-4:15 p.m. | BREAK |
| 4:15-5:00 p.m. | LEADERSHIP ON CAMPUS Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, former president of Youngstown State University Introduction by Bill Johnson, President, Youngstown State University A candid look at leadership at the highest levels—how priorities are set, influence is built, and initiatives gain traction across complex institutions. |
| 5:00-7:00 p.m. | RECEPTION |
Thursday, June 18 – Blackwell Hotel, Pfahl Hall, Room 202
The second day focuses on campus leadership, offering an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange best practices, and learn from leaders across the NVLF network. Participants leave with renewed inspiration, practical tools, and stronger connections to help advance their work.
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | BREAKFAST, Outside Room 202 |
| 8:45-9:00 a.m. vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv | WELCOME |
| 9:00-9:45 a.m. | MAKING AN IMPACT Mike Carrell, Chief Operating Officer, NVLF This is your chance to learn more about how universities are serving military-connected students through innovative programs, initiatives and campaigns. Walk away with ideas you can replicate and potential pitfalls to avoid. |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | BREAK |
| 10:00-10:45 a.m. | PLANNING FOR SUCCESS Jim Miller, President, National Veterans Leadership Foundation Troy Taylor, Ohio Program Manager, National Veterans Leadership Foundation David Hibler, Doctoral Student, Military Community Advocate, The Ohio State University Turn ideas into action with a practical approach to strategic planning tailored to military and veterans’ offices. |
| 10:45-11:15 a.m. | GOING FOR GRANTS Louisa Dallet, Director of Development, ECDI Demystify the funding process—where to look, how to position your work, and what makes proposals stand out. |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | FORUM WRAP UP NVLF Staff |
| 11:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. | ACTION PLANNING Start to translate the inspiration and ideas into action. Work as a team to prioritize next steps and identify needed resources. ROUNDTABLE An open, peer-driven discussion to share challenges, insights, and strategies with colleagues across campuses. |
What schools are eligible?
The NVLF Leadership Forum is open to all NVLF-affiliated universities. Click here for a full list.
Who should attend?
Each university attending the Forum should send at least one representative from its Mil-Vet office (or the office responsible for supporting the military-connected population) and is encouraged to include a representative from their central development office to enhance efforts in increasing resources for the military-connected community.
Other allies critical to the support of mil-vet students—from Academic Affairs, Student Life, Marketing and Communications and Career Services— are also encouraged to take part.
Can I register a student?
NVLF Student Fellows will be attending the first day of the Forum. There is a separate nomination process for this Leadership Program. Those selected for the fellowship will be registered for the Forum by NVLF and receive some travel support. See here for more information.
If you have a student that you would like to bring to the Forum as a campus ally, you may choose to register them for the conference. Your university will be responsible for travel and lodging for all non-Fellow students.
Where is the conference?
Columbus, Ohio. For those flying, plan to arrive and depart at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
All sessions will be held at the Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center on the campus of The Ohio State University. 2110 Tuttle Park Place; Columbus, OH 43210.
Parking:
-Valet parking is available at The Blackwell Inn (valet parking)
-Additional Parking is also available across the street through Campus Parc at the Lane Avenue Garage, 2105 Neil Ave (parking garage)
*Please be advised that attendees will be responsible for covering their own parking fees.
How much does it cost?
Due to support from our donors, conference registration fees are waived for all attendees of the NVLF Leadership Forum.
Questions?
Contact: Mike Carrell, Chief Operating Officer, Mike@nvlf.us or Laura Gaines, Program Assistant, Laura@nvlf.us
Register Now!
Given capacity constraints, registration is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is May 29, 2026.