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 Rachel Whitman, a U.S. Army veteran whose journey reflects the values of service, education, and empowerment. With more than 12 years of experience in higher education administration and a military background grounded in leadership and discipline, Rachel brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her role as Assistant Dean of Administration at the School of Law. Her career stands as a testament to the many ways veterans continue to lead and serve long after their time in uniform. In the Q&A below, Whitman shares insights about her military experience, her path to higher education, and the ongoing meaning of service—both in uniform and in her current role.

What is your current position at the University of Arkansas?
I am the Assistant Dean of Administration for the School of Law.

How long have you worked at the University?
I have worked for the University of Arkansas System institutions off and on for almost 8 years and in higher education administration for over12 years.

What branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your rank (current or at the time of separation)?
I served in the US Army on Active Duty from September 1998 to September 2002 as an Accounting Specialist. I left at the rank of Specialist (E-4).

What inspired you to join the military?
I needed a way to pay for college.

How long did you serve, and where were you stationed?
I was active duty for four years and in the IRR for four years. I spent time in training at Fort Jackson, SC, spent two years at the 249th Military Police Detachment working at the 8th Army Confinement Facility in Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and then finished my tour with the 101st Soldier Support Battalion at Fort Campell, Kentucky.

What led you to pursue a career in higher education or your current field?
I enjoyed my time finishing my first degree as a non-traditional student on campus and wanted to spend more time in that environment.

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?
The leadership training I received and my knowledge of myself learned through that time have contributed greatly to my success in life and in my career. I made a choice to join at 19 that has helped me pay for numerous degrees, buy several houses when it was time to move, and molded my character to help me understand and embrace others with different backgrounds.

What is one of your most meaningful memories from your time in the military?
I loved working with the KATUSAs (Korean Augmentees to the United States Army) that were stationed with me in Korea. I learned a lot about their culture and how different and similar ours was.

What does Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day mean to you personally?
Military Appreciation Month is important to me as a Veteran. It is a chance for all of us to take a moment and reflect on those that choose to serve our country. We should recognize and thank those that make those sacrifices in our Armed Forces. Memorial Day is the day we should set aside to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our country in the military. We should pay them the espect they are owed on this solemn day.

How do you stay connected to the military or veteran community?
I am a member of WoVeN (the Women Veterans Network), a social network of women veterans to build relationships and connections. I have attended the WVI NATCON (Women Veterans Interactive National Conference) in Washington, D.C., whose purpose is to connect, engage, and empower women veterans. I am still in contact with people I served with from 25 years ago.

What advice would you give to other veterans or former military members entering the civilian workforce?
Take full advantage of your veteran's benefits. You have earned them!

About the Armed Forces Employee and Colleague Resource Group: The 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.