Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Podcast

In this special episode of the Governor’s Institute podcast for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF), we bring you a dynamic panel discussion recorded live at the North Carolina SMVF Network Summit in Raleigh. Featuring experts from across the military and civilian sectors, our panel dives deep into the complex realities facing veterans today, from housing instability where simply finding shelter isn't enough, ...

Dr. Cierra Griffin, Executive Director of Adult Learners and Military Students at Fayetteville State University, and Nick Drake, Director of Military and Veteran Services at NC State University, both stress the importance of financial planning for military students. Dr. Griffin encourages students to utilize their service history to enhance marketability through education and emphasizes the need to consider expenses such as rent an...

Brad Wrenn and Siobhan Norris, both seasoned advocates for student Veterans, bring a wealth of experience from their military and higher education backgrounds to their roles as program managers for military and Veterans education at the UNC system. Brad believes that support for student Veterans should extend beyond academic life to encompass broader community engagement, emphasizing partnerships with nonprofits and the translation...

Dr. Pamela Baldwin and Dr. Cheryl Harris-Curtis passionately advocate for supporting female veterans in higher education by addressing their unique needs and challenges. Dr. Baldwin, leading veteran services at Fayetteville State University, emphasizes the importance of tailored support such as childcare assistance and intentional training to better understand and serve female veterans. Dr. Harris-Curtis, with a wealth of experienc...

Nick Drake, the director of military and veteran services at North Carolina State University, and Kevin Rumley, program director at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, share valuable perspectives on the challenges of transitioning from the military to higher education. Nick's journey from the army reserves to academia has equipped him with the knowledge and experience to guide military students through the academic l...

Brad Wrenn and Abby Kinch are dedicated advocates for student veterans, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight into higher education for this unique community. Brad, who served as a meteorologist in the Army and now specializes in executive education and leadership, emphasizes the importance of viewing student veterans as assets and bridging the gap between civilian and military student communities. Abby, a former enliste...