Notre Dame Hosts Inaugural ACC-SEC Veterans Conference, Fostering Collaboration for Military-Connected Student Success

The University of Notre Dame recently hosted the first-ever ACC-SEC Veterans Conference, a groundbreaking three-day event from June 2nd to 4th, 2025. The conference successfully brought together leaders from across the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) to establish a vital collaborative platform dedicated to enhancing support for military-connected students navigating their transition to higher education.

This inaugural gathering underscored a powerful, collective commitment to serving those who have served. Organized by Notre Dame's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA), the program featured a dynamic blend of expert presentations, campus experiences, and critical networking opportunities designed to foster shared best practices.

"This conference marked a pivotal step in strengthening the network of support for military-connected students across our partner universities," reflected Michael Labbe, Assistant Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at Notre Dame, who played a key role in the conference's conception and execution. "The willingness of these institutions to come together, share insights, and brainstorm collective solutions truly embodies the spirit of collaboration necessary to serve our nation's student veterans."

Attendees engaged in a rich agenda of sessions, where diverse perspectives and innovative programs highlighted the unique challenges faced by student veterans. Experts from across the country led discussions, providing invaluable insights:

• Brian Niswander of Military-Transition.org shared profound insights into the complex journey veterans undertake from military service to academia, offering foundational strategies for holistic success.
• Kevin Schmiegel, CEO of ZeroMils, emphasized the importance of cultivating environments where military-connected students not only persist but genuinely thrive. Schmiegel later expressed, "It was an honor and pleasure to meet all of you this week in South Bend. I appreciate all of the work you do on campuses across the country to help student veterans and their families thrive."
• R.J. Jenkins provided psychological frameworks to empower student veterans and navigate common challenges, including "Imposter Feelings Reframe" and "Veterans Critical Theory."
• Monteigne Long, Director of Veteran & Military Services at Texas A&M University, showcased their innovative "#FirstGenVets Learning Community," emphasizing belonging and academic integration for first-generation student veterans.
• Kyle Hurwitz, Director of the Center for Military-Connected Students at the University of Louisville, discussed optimizing "Military-Connected Student Data" and streamlining the "VA Certification Process," vital for efficient administrative support.
• Jimmy Mullinax, Executive Director of Military Affairs at Clemson University, provided practical guidance on maximizing programs such as "DoD SkillBridge" and ensuring "JST & Credit for Prior Learning" are effectively applied for academic credit.
• Ken Heckel, Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, detailed campus initiatives including the "Host Family Program" and "ROTC Experiential Education Trips," demonstrating the University's holistic commitment to veteran support.

  

A significant highlight was the keynote address by Jared Lyon, President & CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA), who underscored the national importance of the conference’s mission. Lyon reflected on insights and crucial areas for collective improvement, stating, "the data that still isn’t being collected, the support gaps that appear when you do track outcomes, and the power of letting student veterans lead the conversation."

Beyond the insightful presentations, the conference included immersive experiences such as a Notre Dame Campus Tour. During this tour, participants paused at the Clarke Memorial Fountain—four limestone arches inscribed with Pro Patria et Pace ("For Country and Peace"), honoring nearly 500 Notre Dame alumni who gave their lives in service. Lyon noted, "Moments like that remind me why gatherings like this matter," highlighting the deeper meaning of the work for all institutions involved.

He further articulated the core reasons for such collaborative gatherings:

• Scale and collaboration: Highlighting that ACC and SEC schools educate "more than half a million undergraduates," Lyon stated, "When they swap best practices on credit for prior learning, SkillBridge internships, and veteran-specific data tracking, the ripple effect reaches far beyond their own stadiums."

  

• Memory shapes mission: "Campus war memorials... put names and faces to the stakes of our work. They ask every student (veteran or otherwise) what they’ll do with the freedoms others secured."
• From service to success: Emphasizing the overarching goal, Lyon concluded, "The through-line of every session was simple: enrollment isn’t enough. Are our veterans flourishing in the classroom, on campus, and in the workforce? That’s the bar."

The positive reception from participants underscored the conference's immediate impact. Jeffrey Dyal from Auburn University remarked, "Great event, great connections, great learning, and tremendous hosts! Very beneficial – thoroughly enjoyed!"

"The willingness of our peers to openly share challenges and successes was inspiring," added Ken Heckel. "This conference has set a precedent for ongoing dialogue and partnership, ultimately benefiting veterans pursuing their academic and professional goals across the country."

The success of this inaugural ACC-SEC Veterans Conference solidifies Notre Dame's leadership in the military-connected community and establishes a promising foundation for sustained, impactful collaboration among universities dedicated to serving those who have served.