The University of Phoenix announced on May 29 the launch of the Phoenix Veterans and Affiliates Network, its first internally developed student organization focused on supporting military-connected students and alumni. The new group, housed within the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, aims to foster institutional connectedness and career readiness for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and other military-affiliated learners.
PVAN is designed to create opportunities for community building, leadership development, storytelling, and peer-to-peer support while connecting participants with resources that enhance persistence through education and success after graduation. The official launch coincides with the University’s Bravely Belong Student and Alumni Café event.
“Military-connected learners bring extraordinary leadership, resilience, and lived experience to our community,” said Jelisa Dallas, M.S.Ed., program manager within the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement. “PVAN exists to honor that experience while ensuring our students and alumni feel supported, and connected as they navigate education, career transitions, and life beyond service.”
The executive board leading PVAN includes student and alumni leaders from diverse backgrounds who will guide strategic direction for programming priorities across the University. Among them is John Kirch—an alumnus whose journey from military service to academic achievement was featured in a recent Degrees of Success podcast episode. Kirch’s story exemplifies PVAN’s mission: “to amplify voices, build community, and create pathways for growth and connection.”
The network aligns with national best practices by intentionally supporting holistic development among military-connected learners through engagement opportunities that build social capital essential for long-term success. PVAN will collaborate with campus partners such as the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs as well as the Student and Alumni Leadership Council to expand programming initiatives.
The University works to address barriers to education for underserved communities; it features a physical campus in Phoenix along with online delivery, offers more than 100 career-focused programs linked to over 300 professions, seeks to provide higher education equipping students with skills for advancement, serves students nationwide, and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, according to the official website.
