Ohio State empowers veteran students in their academic journey

COLUMBUS, Ohio - For many student veterans, transitioning from military life to college can be a daunting experience. But at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), a supportive team is available to help them succeed.

Ben Carignan, CFAES academic counselor and a U.S. Air Force veteran, understands the unique challenges veteran students face.

"Having a shared experience in serving our country in the military has influenced my approach on a couple of levels," Carignan said. "Students I meet with typically know that I'm a veteran, which makes starting our conversations very easy and easy-going, no matter their pathway and their background with military experience."

Carignan, who served in the early 90s, reflects on his transition from the military to college as a first-generation student.

"The stressors and anxieties of today's student veterans are fairly similar to those I experienced," he said. "For many, the time since an algebra or science exam may be four to six years removed. It took a semester or two to adjust to a new way of learning after spending a few years in a different, stressful environment within the military."

The college's commitment to supporting military and veteran students continues to be a vital part of their journey A variety of services are available to help veterans transition. One of the most beneficial aspects of the college, Carignan notes, is the sense of community that is fostered throughout it and the university at large.

"An attraction for some student veterans to CFAES is the sense of community that exists throughout the college's campuses," he said. "Whether it's spending time in the Chadwick Arboretum or grabbing a coffee in the Parker Food Science Building, veterans find a space where they can feel connected."

In addition to the strong community spirit, CFAES provides multiple services specifically designed to support veterans. Ohio State's Major Lawrence Miller Military Community program plays a key role in these efforts. One of the first of its kind at the university, the program is a dedicated resource for military and veteran students, helping them navigate the academic and professional challenges of higher education.

"We have a tremendous team here in CFAES to help student veterans succeed in and out of the classroom," Carignan said. "The MCA Program is one of the many resources offered to ensure student veterans feel welcomed and supported."

The program connects students with faculty and staff who are veterans themselves, allowing them to find mentors who understand their unique experiences. CFAES also has an embedded mental health counselor who works specifically with military-affiliated students, helping them manage the transition from military to civilian life.

"There is no doubt we succeed most when we are surrounded with a team of people who can provide the guidance, wisdom, and knowledge to keep moving the mission forward, personally, academically, and professionally," Carignan said.

Beyond counseling and mentorship, CFAES offers academic resources tailored to veterans. These include academic advising services through CFAES Academic Programs, where Carignan works closely with student veterans to develop personalized academic plans. Office faculty and staff help veterans adjust to the academic rigors of college life and help with course selection, major exploration, and academic success strategies.

For veterans interested in building their professional networks, CFAES also hosts career development programs that connect students with potential employers in the agricultural, food, and environmental sciences fields. Carignan emphasizes that the skills veterans bring from the military - such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving - are highly transferable to the workplace and are valued by employers in these sectors.

CFAES also organizes events that allow military students to connect outside the classroom. A recent skating event at the Ohio State Ice Rink gave veterans and military students the chance to gather with fellow service members.

"Opportunities like this skating event allow veteran students and military students to meet, share stories, and build connections," Carignan explained. "Many of us leave these events having connected with a couple of people who become new teammates, friends, or mentors."

Beyond the personal connections, Carignan believes these events also help veterans see the transferable skills they bring from the military to their academic journey.

"Some of my favorite conversations with fellow student veterans involve discussing how skills from our military experience can transfer to the classroom," he said. "The discipline and teamwork we learned in the military are skills that can lead to academic success."

Carignan is committed to providing the same kind of support that helped him succeed.

"When I set out on my new mission in learning and getting my degree, I wasn't quite sure what that would look like," he said. "Now, I'm proud to help other student veterans in their missions toward academic success."

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