Director for the Center for Veteran Services and Engagement

“In Service of those who have Served”

It doesn’t get much more patriotic than having your name as a state. Joshua Missouri actually grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the son of a preacher and a teacher. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, first sent to Great Lakes, Illinois, then Pensacola, Florida, and lastly stationed in Oak Harbor, Washington, at Virginia Q 140 (VAQ 140) before deployment.

“I think perhaps my greatest takeaway is being in a foreign place with people you don’t know. You have to figure out who you are as an individual at your core, and you learn a lot about yourself as you are in the middle of the ocean. And you see just how big the sky is and how small you are. It helps to shape your ideas about service and about giving back to other people and taking care of other people and being of service to them,” Missouri said.

Missouri is a very much a new recruit to the Life University (Life U) family, having just assumed the role of Director for the Center for Veteran Services and Engagement (CVSE) in April 2025.

“I found in a very short period of time that people are very genuine, and people sincerely care about the community and about the work that we’re doing. And that’s really refreshing and that’s endearing,” Missouri said.

Referred to Life U by a close friend who informed him of Life U’s need for a leader in his new position, he found that Marietta and the greater Atlanta area offered a “wonderful opportunity to do some good work in a field that he’s passionate about and that brings all his core principles.”

Missouri is well-positioned to understand the needs of veteran students returning to education after military service. The monumental readjustment into civilian life is the most obvious hurdle, one that can trip students up unexpectedly and in unexpected ways. People who do not have the same life experiences might find veteran students a bit removed, sometimes pessimistic and alternately concerned for other people, yet at times wary of those they don’t know. Some may deal with being in a large crowd or group of people differently, keenly attuned to noises and details of their surroundings that others might take for granted. It takes time for this student population to become comfortable in their new environment, so they are more likely to gravitate to fellow veterans who can relate to aspects of their shared experiences. Creating a safe space for the veteran student community and larger veteran community of Life U to connect, grow and thrive is what the CVSE is all about.

“They’re making their way through the academic experience and then also providing each other with a sense of security and a safety net – person that they can call and rely upon if they’re having a difficult time in their experience,” Missouri said.

For those in the Life U community wishing to support the work of the CVSE, Missouri encourages people to spread the word about the resources Life U provides for veteran students, such as a quiet study space, complimentary snacks, networking events and more. Exciting new developments are coming through the center under his leadership, including a newly launched Student Veterans Association. Thursday, May 15, 2025, was the first meeting, so stay tuned for future updates. The CVSE is located in the LRC building next to the Sid E. & Nell K. Williams Library. Missouri and other dedicated team members are eager to meet veteran students and serve them through Lasting Purpose.

 

About the Center for Veteran Services and Engagement (CVSE)

Life U is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering environment where military and veteran students can achieve their full potential. The Center for Veteran Services and Engagement (CVSE) represents a significant advancement in our mission to support the diverse needs of our student population. By providing tailored resources and fostering a sense of community, the Center aims to enhance the overall experience and success of military and veteran students at Life U.

We invite you to explore the resources and support available at the CVSE and join with us in our commitment to helping our military and veteran students succeed. The CVSE is committed to several key areas to ensure the success and well-being of our veteran students:

Targeted Resources: We offer specialized programs and services tailored to assist military and veteran students in achieving their educational and career goals. Our resources are designed to meet the unique challenges and opportunities faced by military and veteran students.

Community Building: We facilitate peer connections and networking events to create a strong sense of community among veterans on campus. By fostering relationships and providing opportunities for engagement, we help military and veteran students build a support network that enhances their university experience.

Collaborative Partnerships: The Center works closely with various university departments to provide holistic support for military and veteran students. These partnerships ensure that our military and veteran students receive comprehensive assistance across all aspects of their university life.

Recognition and Growth: We value the diverse perspectives of our military and veteran students and strive to foster a culture of learning and growth within the university community. By acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions, we create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

In addition to these resources, the CVSE also serves as an informational base to help connect veteran students with educational funding resources, career exploration tools and more.