Military Community Advocate Program
“The Military Community Advocate Program taps into the leadership, talent and resourcefulness of military-connected students to help universities better serve their military students. Advocates act as a “force multiplier” across campus. They support key offices and departments in becoming more military-inclusive, work toward policy changes that help veterans and other nontraditional students, and lead community-building events that create a more welcoming and supportive campus environment.” (MCA Handbook, 2022, p.3)
This program is a national initiative of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF). UT Dallas has been a member since 2022.
Contact MVC staff to learn more about the MCA program at UTD or view these slides. Applications now open to serve as a 2024-25 UTD Military Community Advocate. Apply now.
Meet our 2024-25 Advocates
Samson Obiesie
Project Focus: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs Through AI
Major: Computer Science
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: My project focuses on empowering veterans to pursue entrepreneurship by leveraging the power of AI. Drawing from my experiences transitioning from the military to college and starting a tech startup, I aim to provide veterans with the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into successful businesses. This initiative is designed to address the unique challenges veterans face when exploring entrepreneurial paths, offering practical resources and inspiration to help them make a meaningful impact on society.
Andrew McAlexander
Project Focus: Purple Heart Parking Space on Campus
Major: Healthcare Studies
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: My initiative to bring a Purple Heart Parking Space to campus is a meaningful effort to honor and recognize the sacrifices of military service members wounded in combat. Creating a dedicated parking space for Purple Heart recipients will provide a visible symbol of gratitude and respect, fostering a more welcoming and veteran-friendly environment. This initiative raises awareness of veterans’ sacrifices among the broader student body while reinforcing your advocacy for military-connected students at UT Dallas, offering tangible support and recognition to those who have served.
Lavette Ervin
Project Focus: Guest Entrepreneurial Speakers Series
Major: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: As an advocate, I am committed to promoting entrepreneurial education and supporting initiatives that empower aspiring business leaders. The advocate program provides a platform to further this mission, which enables me to play an active role in building a robust entrepreneurial community that supports and nurtures new talent. The Guest Entrepreneurial Speaker Series is a transformative project that underscores the importance of real-world learning and mentorship in entrepreneurship. By participating in the advocate program, I am dedicated to advancing this initiative and contributing to the development of future business leaders.
Mik Adhikari
Project Focus: Health and wellness
Major: Supply Chain Management
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: After my military service, I became deeply committed to health and wellness. I have learned firsthand how physical well-being directly impacts relationships, productivity, and overall happiness. This project is particularly important to me because I understand the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian or university life, where health often takes a backseat. By focusing on hydration, I aim to create a positive impact on the veteran community and others around me, helping them prioritize health as a foundation for success. This project will not only benefit the individuals involved but also foster a sense of community and support among peers striving to maintain their well-being.
Drake Lopez
Project Focus: Professional Network and Guidance for Military-Affiliated UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) Students
Major: Finance
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: To gain valuable knowledge and experience, develop skills, and create opportunities for others. By leveraging the professional network of the UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) Career Management Center (CMC), I aim to bridge the gap between employers and military-affiliated JSOM students, fostering connections that benefit all parties.
Meet our 2022-23 Advocates
Cat Kim
Project Focus: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Major: B.S. Business Administration, concentration in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: As an advocate for the MCAP, I strive to pay forward the resources and support I have received and act as a catalyst in creating a safe space for idea generations for my fellow veteran students. With my concentration in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, I have had the opportunity to take classes and be in an ecosystem that supports new ideas or innovations and cultivates entrepreneurship/ intrapreneurship. By connecting students to resources available at the Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Blackstone Launchpad, I hope to help my peers find the courage to realize their passions or the real-world issues they would like to solve.
Onica Stapleton
Project Focus: Women Veterans
Major: B.S. Global Business, concentration in Business Economics
Reason for Participating in the Advocate Program: As a woman veteran, I want to bring more recognition to women veterans on campus and help them feel more comfortable on campus through a program that focus on their needs. I want my military-connected peers to be successful and live out their biggest dreams. I hope I can make that happen!