In recognition of Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, the U of A Armed Forces Employee and Colleague Resource Group proudly honors the service, sacrifice and continued contributions of veterans and military members within our campus community. Their leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen our institution.

Military Appreciation Month, observed each May, is a time to recognize and express gratitude for the courage and dedication of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The month includes several important observances, culminating in Memorial Day, a solemn national holiday dedicated to honoring the military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

This spotlight highlights Chris Jones, a U.S. Army veteran whose professional journey reflects the values of service, education and equity. His leadership and commitment to advancing equal opportunity exemplify how military service continues to shape and inspire lives in higher education and beyond. In the Q&A below, Jones shares insights about his military experience, his path to higher education and the meaning of service both in uniform and in his current role.

• What is your current position at the U of A?
  EO training and communication coordinator for the Department of Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX.
  Treasurer of the Armed Forces Employees and Colleagues Resource Group.
• How long have you worked at the university?
  Two and a half years.
• What branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your rank (current or at the time of separation)?
  U.S. Army. Sergeant First Class.
• What inspired you to join the military?
  A steady job and the GI Bill inspired me to join. Love of what I did in the service kept me in it.
• How long did you serve, and where were you stationed?
  I served for 21 years. I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany.
• What led you to pursue a career in higher education or your current field?
  When we moved back to Northwest Arkansas, my goal was to work for the University of Arkansas, mainly because I am a proponent of education. My current role as EO training coordinator uses skills that I gained from my military service, where I was active in both roles.
• How have your military skills or experiences contributed to your success, and in what ways have they enhanced your work with students, staff or faculty?
  My military experience has played a significant role in my success, particularly in this position. My background in Equal Opportunity has been especially valuable in understanding the compliance aspects of the role. Additionally, my years of developing and delivering training across a range of subjects in the military have equipped me with strong technical skills that directly support the work I do with students, staff and faculty. These experiences have helped me approach challenges with clarity, structure and a commitment to excellence.
• What is one of your most meaningful memories from your time in the military?
  My time as a drill sergeant at the Defense Language Institute. I worked with a wonderful cadre of fellow drill sergeants, and I spent three years teaching young soldiers on a daily basis.
• What do Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day mean to you personally?
  I lost my dad to suicide two years ago. He was a Vietnam War veteran, and since then, Memorial Day has taken on a much deeper meaning for me. It’s no longer just a day off—it’s a sacred moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for the men and women who have worn the uniform and are no longer with us. They deserve to be remembered—with honor, with gratitude and with the dignity their service earned.
• How do you stay connected to the military or veteran community?
  I am a member of the VFW, though admittedly I don’t attend meetings very much. I also keep in touch with some veteran friends through Facebook.
• What advice would you give to other veterans or former military members entering the civilian workforce?
  Transitioning from active duty to the civilian workplace can feel like a major adjustment. The language, the culture and even the pace may be quite different—and that can naturally lead to some frustration. It’s important to remember that your experiences in the military have shaped you in ways that many civilians may not fully understand. Use the skills and values you’ve gained—discipline, leadership, resilience—to your advantage, and aim to be a positive example of military professionalism. How we carry ourselves after service continues to shape the public’s perception of the military community.

The Armed Forces Employee and Colleague Resource Group (AFECRG) is a voluntary, employee-led organization that fosters a university community grounded in the principles of equal opportunity. We promote mutual respect, celebrate the contributions of faculty and staff, and support professional growth. Our group is committed to nurturing a culture of collaboration and providing opportunities that advance career development. Through community engagement, cultural enrichment, career advancement and holistic care, we empower employees and contribute to the university’s goals of research excellence, student success and becoming an employer of choice.

To know more about the AFECRG or if you are interested in joining the AFECRG, feel free to visit the Employee and Colleagues Resource Groups website.