Dartmouth is expanding support for student veterans with new staff, programs, and a coordinated effort across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools as part of President Sian Leah Beilock’s pledge to double the number of undergraduate veterans on campus.
At the annual Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast last November, President Beilock committed to strengthening the institution’s connections for military-affiliated students, staff, and faculty. “We want to ensure that their experience and voices are heard in our classrooms because it makes us all better,” she said, noting the contributions of student veterans’ diverse lived experiences.
Effective July 1, Morgan Ogreen steps into the newly created role of director of the Office of Military and Veteran Support in Community and Campus Life. Reporting to Tennille Haynes, associate vice president for campus life and inclusive initiatives, Ogreen will support those with military experience and backgrounds across the Dartmouth community.
“This role bridges direct student engagement with cross-divisional coordination, so that no veteran navigates their Dartmouth journey alone,” said Jennifer Rosales, senior vice president for community and campus life and chief student affairs officer.
Ogreen is well prepared for this role. Currently serving as an assistant dean of undergraduate students in the Undergraduate Deans Office, she has been the primary dean for undergraduate veteran students since 2022.
A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former active-duty Navy helicopter pilot, Ogreen brings firsthand knowledge of military life and the transition to higher education. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and development from George Washington University and led student programs in leadership development, assessment, and professional growth at the Naval Academy.
“One of the hardest parts of my own transition out of active duty service was leaving behind the sense of purpose, identity, and deep relationships that come with serving alongside others. You don’t just hang up the uniform and your service ends,” said Ogreen.
In her new role, Ogreen will continue building the framework of support for undergraduate and graduate student veterans, helping them navigate campus systems and military-affiliated resources. She will also broaden programs and outreach for students, spouses, and employees with military connections to deepen community connections and raise visibility both on campus and beyond.
“Dean Ogreen, in particular, has been an invaluable resource for me and for many other veterans,” said Gregory Beals ’26, an Army veteran. “She truly understands the challenges of balancing school, family, and service-related experiences. Whenever I’ve faced a hurdle, I’ve felt reassured knowing she has likely navigated something similar herself. That kind of mentorship and understanding has been incredibly meaningful.”
Twenty-six undergraduates, along with three external cadets, are currently participating in ROTC at Dartmouth; two students will receive their commission at the annual ceremony on June 13. Sixteen veterans are pursuing undergraduate degrees, and more than 60 graduate and professional school students are veterans.
In support of its military-connected community, Dartmouth annually commemorates Veterans Day and Memorial Day, which took place on May 25 this year. Beilock, Rosales, and Ogreen joined 50 community members for a ceremony and planted 554 flags in front of Dartmouth Hall to honor Dartmouth’s fallen service members. The event hosted by the Dartmouth Undergraduate Veterans Association, along with activities organized by the Veterans Employee Network, is one of the many ways that student veterans and military-affiliated families are recognized throughout the year.
Supporting veterans involves building pathways of learning and connection to understand the specific needs and wide-ranging experiences.
“I think many veterans struggle with stepping into a completely different environment and wondering where they fit or whether others will understand their background,” said Ogreen. “What I hope our students know is that their military experience is not something they have to leave behind to belong here. It’s a strength.”
In April, 30 faculty and staff members participated in a full-day Vet Net Ally workshop led by Marshall Thomas, a Marine veteran and an advocate for veterans in higher education. Organized by Ogreen, the session equipped participants with practical strategies for understanding the nontraditional experiences of student veterans and the specific challenges of transitioning from military service to campus life.
In July, Dartmouth will host the Warrior-Scholar Project’s College Readiness Bootcamp for the first time. The national nonprofit organization partners with selected institutions to prepare veterans for the academic demands of higher education. This intensive program will bring 10 veterans to campus, where they will learn from faculty in the departments of government and history, and from other programs.
Looking ahead, Dartmouth’s long-term vision aims to connect student veterans with the alumni network, developing a bond of support and community well beyond graduation.
The new initiatives build on the legacy of President Emeritus James Wright. A Marine veteran, Wright was a foundational figure in building Dartmouth’s relationship with veterans, spending years working to open higher education to those in transition from active duty.
In 2008, he collaborated with members of the U. S. Senate on the post-9/11 GI Bill, working to develop the Yellow Ribbon Program, a supplement ensuring that the full cost of tuition and fees are covered. Dartmouth participates fully in the program without limitation on the number of students.
