Veteran-Friendly College Support at Macomb
Friday, November 13, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Learn how Macomb’s Veteran and Military Services department helps students
- Hear testimonials from veteran students about their experience at Macomb
When their military service ends, some veterans choose to return to school and earn a degree or certificate.
However, adjusting civilian life and working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), can be challenging.
Macomb’s Veteran and Military Services (VMS) department is designed specifically to help veterans and their family members with those unique challenges.
Transfer Support for Student Veterans
“The veteran’s office at Macomb - the people there were amazing. They were really helpful and spent as much time with you as you needed,” said William Shepard, a recent graduate of the Global Supply Chain Management program.
After completing his degree, William was able to take additional classes at Macomb that worked toward his bachelor’s degree program at the University of Michigan - Flint.
Will attributes the ease of his transfer to the VMS team.
“When you get further along and finishing your degree, using the GI Bill becomes more difficult,” he said. “The veteran’s office helped me several times. They’re still helping me today.”
Scholarships and Additional Financial Aid for Veterans
For Macomb nursing student Alec Nehr, the VMS office assisted him with getting scholarships and funding so he could dedicate himself fully to his studies.
“I got three scholarships. The veteran’s office at South Campus also helped me with the VA, so that the VA will pay for my school and pay for my living. It really helps a lot,” Alec said.
The effort that the VMS team gives to each student does not go unnoticed.
Why Student Veterans and Michigan Leaders Recognize Macomb
“They go out of their way to help you. They connect you with the right resources and guide you to the right department or right area. And they're amazing to talk to,” said Laura Phankhamchit, a Macomb fine arts alum. “Without the VA, honestly, I'm not sure where I would be. I'm so grateful for all of that.”
This recognition for Macomb’s veteran services goes beyond student opinion. This year marks the 11th year that Macomb has earned gold-level status as a Veteran-Friendly School (VFS) from the Michigan Veterans Agency (MVAA).
According to the agency’s state website, “VFS recognition is based on a range of veteran-focused services, including dedicated resource centers, academic advising, peer-to-peer mentoring and career readiness initiatives.”
This praise and recognition for the VMS department is the result of the high level of care that is given to Macomb’s veteran students.
“We don’t just support veterans — we know them,” said Kara Fields, director of veteran services, “We offer a space where veterans feel seen, heard, and respected. If you send a vet to Macomb, we care — and we prove it.”
However, adjusting civilian life and working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), can be challenging.
Macomb’s Veteran and Military Services (VMS) department is designed specifically to help veterans and their family members with those unique challenges.
How Veteran and Military Services Supports Veterans Transition into College
VMS offers a wide variety of aid and support to veteran students. Most notably, they provide:- Assistance in understanding and maximizing veteran and military education benefits
- Guidance with a direct point of contact to help navigate college, military and VA processes
- Connections to college and community resources.
- Community with other student veterans and student veteran organizations
Transfer Support for Student Veterans
“The veteran’s office at Macomb - the people there were amazing. They were really helpful and spent as much time with you as you needed,” said William Shepard, a recent graduate of the Global Supply Chain Management program.After completing his degree, William was able to take additional classes at Macomb that worked toward his bachelor’s degree program at the University of Michigan - Flint.
Will attributes the ease of his transfer to the VMS team.
“When you get further along and finishing your degree, using the GI Bill becomes more difficult,” he said. “The veteran’s office helped me several times. They’re still helping me today.”Scholarships and Additional Financial Aid for Veterans
For Macomb nursing student Alec Nehr, the VMS office assisted him with getting scholarships and funding so he could dedicate himself fully to his studies.“I got three scholarships. The veteran’s office at South Campus also helped me with the VA, so that the VA will pay for my school and pay for my living. It really helps a lot,” Alec said.
The effort that the VMS team gives to each student does not go unnoticed.
Why Student Veterans and Michigan Leaders Recognize Macomb
“They go out of their way to help you. They connect you with the right resources and guide you to the right department or right area. And they're amazing to talk to,” said Laura Phankhamchit, a Macomb fine arts alum. “Without the VA, honestly, I'm not sure where I would be. I'm so grateful for all of that.”This recognition for Macomb’s veteran services goes beyond student opinion. This year marks the 11th year that Macomb has earned gold-level status as a Veteran-Friendly School (VFS) from the Michigan Veterans Agency (MVAA).
According to the agency’s state website, “VFS recognition is based on a range of veteran-focused services, including dedicated resource centers, academic advising, peer-to-peer mentoring and career readiness initiatives.”
This praise and recognition for the VMS department is the result of the high level of care that is given to Macomb’s veteran students.
“We don’t just support veterans — we know them,” said Kara Fields, director of veteran services, “We offer a space where veterans feel seen, heard, and respected. If you send a vet to Macomb, we care — and we prove it.”