Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognizes outstanding chapters, advisors, and student veterans through its annual Honor Awards programs. The William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award, named for the longtime chancellor of Syracuse University who was a major advocate for veterans and played a key role in support of the G.I. Bill, recognizes a visionary leader (or leaders) who has made a transformative impact on student veterans’ experiences in higher education. 

This year’s award was presented to the Howard University Office of Military and Veterans Services (OMVS), whose “leadership and coalition building have strengthened support systems, expanded access, and elevated outcomes for military-connected students across the HBCU community,” according to the SVA website. 

The honor means much more than a trophy to those within OMVS.

“For Howard to now be recognized by SVA represents more than an award; it reflects the resilience of our veterans and military-connected students and the collective effort to transform our SVA chapter into a student led organization that actively advocates for and uplifts the military-connected community,” said Assistant Director for Military and  Veterans Services Katesha Goodson. “It affirms that the work we have done to rebuild, organize, and expand our support has made a meaningful impact.”

Paris L. Adon, Ed.D., director in the Office of Student Services, a division within  Student Affairs, echoed Goodson’s sentiments, noting the program’s significant progress over the last few years and how validating it is to be acknowledged for it. 

“This recognition means that our office has significantly improved over the years and that we are now nationally recognized as a leader in veteran services,” said Adon. “To receive this acknowledgment from the Student Veterans of America validates the hard work our team has put in and affirms that Howard University is setting a standard for how institutions should serve their military-connected students.”

A Program Apart 

What sets the program apart is its staff. “One of the defining strengths of Howard’s program is that the staff within the Office of Military and Veteran Services are all decorated Veterans,” explained Goodson. “That shared experience fundamentally shapes how the program is designed and delivered.” 

Because Howard staff have personally navigated military service, transition, and the complexities of VA education benefits, they are able to approach their work with both technical expertise and lived understanding, and in turn, students benefit. 

 “Our students are not simply interacting with administrators; they are supported by professionals who understand military culture, the transition from service to academia, and the challenges that can come with balancing school, family, and benefits,” Goodson said.

According to Adon, there are three things that fundamentally distinguish Howard’s award-winning program. 

“First, we evolved from a consulting model to building a full staff of School Certifying Officials and an assistant director, giving students dedicated, knowledgeable support,” he said. “Second, we renovated our physical space into a Veterans Resource Center that truly honors our military community. And third, we changed the culture, we became more responsive, more supportive, and we reignited our Student Veterans of America chapter, which brought renewed energy and community to the program.”

Expanding Access 

A main tenant of the award revolves around expanding access for military-connected students. Goodson highlighted the program’s ability to foster important relationships. 

“The program expands access for military-connected students by intentionally leveraging strong partnerships, professional networks, and collaborations with veteran-owned businesses,” she said. “Through these relationships, we are able to connect students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and directly support their transition into meaningful careers.”

“Having dedicated School Certifying Officials means our military-connected students now receive individualized attention and guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” added Adon. “Beyond that, our SVA chapter and Veterans Resource Center have dramatically expanded what we offer, from career opportunities and scholarship resources to graduate school pathways. We’re meeting students where they are and opening doors they may not have known existed.” 

OMVS celebrates this honor as a reflection of the program’s growth and its work with  Howard’s student veterans and more. Both Goodson and Adon look forward to continuing to be of service to this group, specifically  through its Red, White, and Bison Military Gala, which launched last year. 

“One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is establishing the Red, White, and Bison Military Gala as a signature tradition for our military-connected community,” said Goodson. “Creating this event during the iconic Howard Homecoming week was intentional. Homecoming is one of the most celebrated times at Howard, and it was important that our student veterans, military-connected students, and returning alumni had a space within that celebration that recognized their service, leadership, and contributions to the university.”