New Dragon VALOR Program Enhances Support for Veteran and Military-Connected Students

This spring, MSU Moorhead launched Dragon VALOR, a Veteran Ally Organization that strives to elevate student Veterans' academic success. Allies are essential to Dragon VALOR's success. After five sessions, more than 75 MSUM staff and faculty have completed the first phase of the allyship training.

"We want to create an even more welcoming and inclusive campus by expanding upon the campus' Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Action Plan goal by offering training on veteran experiences with physical and mental health challenges," says Veterans Resource Outreach Director Josh Clarke. "Through Dragon VALOR, we can deepen the empathy and awareness among faculty and staff."

Dragon VALOR, Veteran Ally Organization

Dragon VALOR builds a supportive network for Veteran and military-connected students, addressing their unique challenges and providing resources to aid their transition to academia and beyond.

"The Dragon VALOR program is an incredible opportunity to learn more about how best to serve MSUM's military and military-connected students and families," says Student Relations Coordinator Heidi King. "The training provides so much insight. I hope all MSUM employees consider this training as it's a wonderful program to help better understand and serve MSUM's military community."

Dragon VALOR is modeled after NDSU's VALOR program. Through a combined team effort, we can better bridge the river between universities and provide more resources, understanding and allies to our military-connected students, faculty, and staff.

Learn more about military culture by watching "15 Things Veterans Want You to Know" by Psych Armor. If you're interested in learning more about Dragon VALOR, please contact veterans@mnstate.edu.

The contents of this story were developed under the “Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success” grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Award #P116G220060. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and the reader should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.