How the University of Kansas Supports 2,300+ Military-Connected Students | April Blackmon Strange

Episode Description:
April Blackmon Strange joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss how the University of Kansas is leading the way in veteran and military-affiliated student support through its Military Affiliated Student Center. Drawing from her lived experience as a military brat and spouse, April shares powerful insight into building student-centered systems that remove barriers and help military-connected learners thrive.

In this episode, we unpack:
• How KU supports more than 2,300 military-affiliated students—the largest population in school history
• What a true one-stop veteran center looks like and why it matters
• How KU streamlined VA, GI Bill®, and VR&E benefits processing to reduce student stress
• Why student-centric culture is the foundation of long-term academic success

Whether you're navigating the military-to-civilian transition, pursuing higher education, or searching for a campus that truly understands military life, this conversation delivers real, actionable insight you can use today.

About the Guest:
April Blackmon Strange is the Director of the Lieutenant General William K. Jones Military Affiliated Student Center at the University of Kansas. A military brat and military spouse, she holds a master’s degree in Mass Communications and previously served as the founding director of the Fort Riley USO. April brings decades of experience supporting service members, veterans, and military families through education, community engagement, and advocacy.

Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome
0:30 – Guest Introduction
2:15 – April’s Military Family Journey
4:10 – Why KU Built a Military Affiliated Student Center
6:40 – Inside KU’s Veteran & Military Support Services
8:35 – VA, GI Bill®, and VR&E Support on Campus
10:20 – Scholarships, Emergency Aid & Community Events
11:30 – Why Military Students Should Consider KU
13:30 – How to Connect with the KU Military Center
14:15 – Final Thoughts & Lifeline Message

Grab the Lifeline:
VET S.O.S. connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline.

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