When veterans look at colleges, they usually focus on degrees, GI Bill benefits, or Military Friendly® designations. But leadership at the top matters too—especially when it comes to understanding military-connected students.
In 2026, several colleges and universities either currently have presidents with military backgrounds or have been led by veteran presidents in recent years. These leaders often bring experience in operations, accountability, strategic planning, and mission-focused leadership—qualities that translate well into higher education.
Here are several schools with veteran presidents or notable military-connected leadership histories veterans should know about.
Texas A&M University System
General Mark A. Welsh III (Retired U.S. Air Force)
President since: 2023
Retired General Mark Welsh III became president of Texas A&M University in December 2023 after previously serving as the university’s president pro tempore and dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Before entering higher education leadership, Welsh served as the 27th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 2012 to 2016.
Why veterans notice Texas A&M:
- Strong Corps of Cadets tradition
- Large veteran student population
- Strong ROTC presence
- Extensive military-connected alumni network
What this means for you:
Texas A&M’s leadership culture strongly reflects military tradition, structure, and leadership development.
University of South Carolina
General Robert L. Caslen Jr. (Retired U.S. Army)
President: 2019–2021
Retired Army General Robert Caslen Jr. served as president of the University of South Carolina after a distinguished military career that included serving as Superintendent of West Point from 2006 to 2013.
Caslen retired as a four-star general after more than 40 years of military service.
Why veterans notice it:
- Strong leadership-centered administration during his tenure
- Expanded veteran and ROTC visibility on campus
The Citadel
General Glenn M. Walters (Retired U.S. Marine Corps)
President since: 2018
Retired four-star Marine General Glenn Walters became president of The Citadel in 2018 after serving as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The Citadel is already deeply connected to military education and leadership development, making Walters a natural fit.
Why veterans notice it:
- Military college structure
- Leadership-focused environment
- Strong military alumni network
Norwich University
Colonel Mark C. Anarumo (Retired U.S. Army)
President since: 2020
Norwich University, one of the nation’s senior military colleges, appointed retired Army Colonel Mark Anarumo as president in 2020.
Before becoming president, Anarumo served as commandant at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
Why veterans notice it:
- Long military history
- Strong online programs for military students
- Leadership development focus
Dwight D. Eisenhower at Columbia University
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
President: 1948–1953
Before becoming President of the United States, Eisenhower served as president of Columbia University following World War II.
At the time, he was one of the most recognized military leaders in the world after serving as Supreme Allied Commander during WWII.
Why this still matters:
Eisenhower helped demonstrate that military leadership and higher education leadership are not separate worlds.
Why Veteran Leadership Matters on Campus
Veteran presidents often bring practical leadership experience that influences:
- Veteran student support programs
- Leadership initiatives
- Campus operations
- Crisis management
- Long-term strategic planning
Many also understand military transition firsthand, which can help shape more veteran-friendly policies.
Schools led by veterans often reflect many of the same qualities military students value: accountability, structure, leadership, and mission focus.
That doesn’t mean every veteran needs to attend a military-connected school—but leadership culture matters more than many students realize. For veterans transitioning into higher education, that connection can make a big difference.
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