Transitioning from military service to higher education takes courage, discipline, and a willingness to start something new.
Veterans often underestimate how much their experience strengthens a college community.
At Roberts Wesleyan University, those strengths don’t go unnoticed. Read on to see three invaluable skills we recognize veterans bring to the classroom.
1. Purpose-driven focus
Military training develops a clear sense of direction. Veterans understand commitment. They know how to set goals and follow through, even when the work is demanding.
Professors at Roberts often notice that veterans bring a level of seriousness and preparation that raises the expectations for everyone in the room. They’re prepared, engaged, and serious about learning.
2. Leadership earned under pressure
Leadership in the military isn’t hypothetical - it’s practiced daily. You learn how to communicate clearly, take accountability, and support your team. You learn how to stay level-headed when pressure spikes.
In college, that leadership shows up in small, steady ways:
meeting deadlines without being reminded
communicating directly and respectfully
keeping the team organized and on task
That kind of reliability builds trust. It helps younger students see what professionalism looks like in real life.
3. Adaptability built through experience
Military service exposes you to a wide range of environments and personalities. You adjust fast because you have to. That adaptability becomes instinct.
In higher education, that flexibility serves them well. Coursework varies, expectations shift, and technology changes. Veterans know how to adapt, reset, and move forward without getting stuck.
This also makes veterans uniquely aware of when others need help. Many naturally step in to support classmates.
How Roberts serves veteran students
Roberts understands that returning to school after military service involves more than picking a major. It involves identity, routine, financial planning, and long-term goals.
As a Military Friendly® School 2025-26 - Silver Designation School, the university supports veterans with resources designed to make the transition smoother, including:
dedicated support and guidance with VA benefits
personalized academic advising
flexible pathways that honor existing experience and transfer credits
a campus culture that respects service members and their families
Veterans strengthen Roberts’ academic community, and Roberts commits to supporting them fully in their next chapter - with purpose, respect, and practical help every step of the way.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MILITARY BENEFITS AT ROBERTS
About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University, A Military Friendly® School
Roberts Wesleyan University is a private Christian university in Rochester, NY, offering more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. Recognized as a Military Friendly® Silver School, we are committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service-oriented leadership.
We are the only NCAA Division II school in the region and a proud member of the East Coast Conference.