The University of Phoenix announced on May 29 the launch of the Phoenix Veterans and Affiliates Network, its first internally developed student organization dedicated to supporting military-connected students and alumni. The new group, known as PVAN, is housed within the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement. It aims to foster institutional connectedness and career readiness for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and other military-affiliated learners.
PVAN offers opportunities for community building, leadership development, storytelling, and peer-to-peer support while connecting participants with resources that enhance persistence through education and post-graduation success. The official launch took place during 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 consists of student and alumni leaders from diverse regions with varied experiences. Among them is John Kirch, Activity Manager at University of Phoenix. Kirch’s transition from military service to academic achievement was featured in the University’s Degrees of Success alumni podcast, where he discussed topics such as transition challenges and lifelong learning.
PVAN aligns with student development theory by intentionally supporting holistic growth for military-connected learners through engagement opportunities designed to strengthen retention rates while helping build social capital essential for long-term success. The network will work alongside campus partners including the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs as well as the Student and Alumni Leadership Council.
According to the official website, University of Phoenix serves students nationwide through a physical campus in Phoenix along with online programs; it offers more than 100 career-focused programs linked to over 300 professions; it seeks to address barriers faced by underserved communities; it provides higher education aimed at equipping students for career advancement; it holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
