Date of Award

4-28-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

Committee Chair

Mac Duis

Committee Member

Sharon Foreman

Committee Member

James Roux

Abstract

As an increasing number of United States troops have returned home from deployment overseas, the numbers of Veterans attending colleges and universities has increased significantly.  Of the nearly four million Veterans who are pursuing education after separation from the military, approximately 28% (National University, 2025). The University of Lynchburg is statistically in line with the national average, as nearly 2 out of every 10 Veteran students who attend the University withdraw prematurely, without completing a degree program.  There is a great deal of discussion and documentation focused on the challenges and barriers that Veteran students encounter, but there is a paucity of research that identifies and addresses the necessary types and level of support for Veteran students in educational settings.  The University has resources that are allocated to specifically address the needs of Veterans on campus.  The findings of this case study will guide the administration as they develop a new student Veteran resource center.  This qualitative case study will collect the lived experiences of Veteran students who have attended the University of Lynchburg through semi-structured focus groups and interviews.  The study hopes to identify gaps and barriers specific to Veteran students at the University and to take measures to close gaps and support these students, thus enabling them to effectively earn a college degree to have a successful career.

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