Dartmouth College Targets Increased Veteran Enrollment in Undergrad Programs

Dartmouth College has announced plans to significantly increase the enrollment of undergraduate students who have served in the armed forces. During the annual Veterans Day Breakfast held on November 7, 2023, President Sian Leah Beilock revealed the college’s objective to double its current population of veteran undergraduates.

At present, Dartmouth hosts 13 veterans among its undergraduate students, with an additional 60 veterans enrolled in its graduate programs, including the Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine. The administration is actively collaborating with these students to recruit more veterans, as noted by Anne Hudak, interim dean of undergraduate student affairs, in an email.

To support this initiative, Dartmouth is partnering with nonprofit organizations such as Service to School and the Warrior Scholar Project. These organizations specialize in assisting veterans as they navigate the challenges of pursuing higher education. Hudak emphasized the college’s interest in candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and are eager to further their education.

Enhancing Campus Community Through Veteran Engagement

Hudak believes that increasing the number of veteran students will create a more vibrant community on campus. “Our veteran students constitute a significant portion of our nontraditional student population,” she explained. “They bring valuable life experiences that enrich the academic environment.”

Having joined Dartmouth’s efforts to support veterans in 2018, Hudak draws inspiration from the legacy of former president James Wright, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1998 to 2009. Wright was a staunch advocate for veteran representation in higher education. Throughout her career, Hudak sought Wright’s guidance, continuing this commitment even after his passing in 2022.

“During his tenure, he traveled to Washington, D.C., and to VA medical centers to speak with veterans, helping to identify concrete pathways to higher education,” Hudak recalled. She expressed her determination to honor Wright’s legacy by advancing initiatives that support veteran students at Dartmouth.

As the college moves forward with its recruitment efforts, it aims not only to bolster veteran enrollment but also to foster a deeper connection between veterans and the broader campus community. The administration’s focus on enhancing the educational landscape for veterans aligns with Dartmouth’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its student body.