PULLMAN, WA – When Jadon Hawkins joined the Army National Guard nearly three decades ago, he never imagined he’d one day be helping fellow service members and their families succeed in college.
This fall, Hawkins is stepping into a new role at Washington State University Global Campus—dedicated entirely to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students (VMAS). His responsibilities include processing VA education benefits exclusively for Global Campus students, while also connecting them with a broad range of resources—academic support, VA navigation, medical and dental benefits, scholarships, career assistance, and mental health services. Before taking on this position, Hawkins spent years supporting VMAS students at WSU’s in-person campuses, experience that prepared him well to serve Global Campus learners.
“I’m really here to help in any way I can, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” Hawkins said. “I also know from experience that transitioning from the military into the academic world can be a huge culture shock. Everything is different, from the organizational structure to the lingo. I’m here to help with that as well.”
The new position reflects Global Campus’s deep commitment to its veteran and military community. Nearly one in ten Global Campus students (9%) are military affiliated. This community includes veterans of the armed services, active-duty personnel, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses and dependents. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Global Campus among the top 10 nationwide in its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans rankings.
A veteran serving veterans
Hawkins’s own story is rooted in service. He joined the Army National Guard in 1996 as a member of the field artillery and later transitioned to active duty in 2002, serving tours in Germany, Kosovo, and Iraq. After a five-year break in service, he rejoined the Alaska National Guard before eventually moving to Washington.
At WSU, Hawkins earned his degree while working in Veterans & Military-Affiliated Student Services (VMASS), building the skills and knowledge he now brings to this new position. “As a veteran and former WSU student myself, I’ve been there, and I know what you are going through,” Hawkins said. “I know that benefits can be very confusing and difficult to figure out at times. I’m here to support you and make your journey to academic success smoother and less stressful.”
Until now, Global Campus students relied on WSU Pullman’s veterans’ office for help with VA education benefits—a process complicated by heavy demand and limited staffing. The new role was established to provide timely, focused support for Global Campus’s growing military community. “Global Campus students are my only focus,” Hawkins said. “That way, I can concentrate my efforts on the unique needs of our online students, including those on active duty.”
Building community and understanding
Hawkins is leading initiatives to make Global Campus an even more welcoming environment for veterans and military-affiliated students. Among them is “Green Zone” virtual training, modeled on nationally recognized programs and named for the secure zone in Baghdad during the Iraq War. Once launched, Green Zone will be open to both VMAS students and other Global Campus students, faculty, and staff, where they will learn together about the culture, language, and organizational structure of both the military and higher education.
“The key to any inclusive and effective environment is mutual understanding and respect,” Hawkins said. “By helping us understand each other’s backgrounds, both within and beyond the military experience, we’re building a stronger, more effective, and more welcoming Global Campus.”
Hawkins is also serving as a staff sponsor for the new Global Campus VMAS Club, which will hold its first meeting on Sept. 2. The club will be a supportive community for veterans, military-affiliated students, and their allies to connect and discuss shared experiences.
“Those who have served our country, and those who support them, are a unique and important part of our community here at WSU,” Hawkins said. “In every way I can, I’m here to support that community and help them achieve success at Global Campus and beyond.”
