In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, the University of Arkansas proudly honors the service, sacrifice, and ongoing contributions of veterans and military members within our campus community. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen our institution. Observed each May, Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect on and express gratitude for the courage, service, and selfless commitment of all who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we recognize Dr. Ed Pohl, Dean of the Graduate School and International Education, for his distinguished service in the United States Air Force and his continued leadership at the University of Arkansas. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, initially motivated by a desire to become a pilot and encouraged by his father, who also served in the Air Force. Although his path shifted due to changes in eyesight, Dr. Pohl discovered a rewarding career as an engineer, embracing the opportunities that military service provided. In the Q&A below, Dr. Pohl shares insights into his military background, the influence of his family and educational goals, and how his service shaped his leadership and academic career.

• What is your current position at the University of Arkansas?
  • Dean, Graduate School and International Education
     
• How long have you worked at the University?
  • Since January 2004
     
• What branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your rank (current or at the time of separation)?
  • United States Air Force, Lt Col
     
• What inspired you to join the military?
  • I wanted to fly and told my father I was going to the Marine Corps recruiting station to fill out the application and take the officer screening test.  He suggested I also explore the Air Force, he served in the Air Force, and he thought that I would more likely use my engineering degree in the Air Force if things didn’t work out with flying. The Air Force was recruiting for their College Senior Engineering Program (CSEP) due to a shortage of engineers. I joined that program thinking I would apply for flight school after I was on active duty.  Unfortunately, my eye sight changed and I no longer qualified for flight school but really enjoyed the opportunities afforded me as an engineer.
     
• How long did you serve, and where were you stationed?
  • I served 21 years, I had assignments in the B-2 System Program Office at Wright Patterson AFB, I attended the Air Force Institute of Technology for my MS in Systems Engineering at Wright Patterson, I worked at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center in Albuquerque as a Munitions Analyst, I was assigned to the University of Arizona in Tucson to get my PhD degree, I served on the faculty at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson, I worked at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Program Analysis and Evaluation, Cost Analysis Improvement Group and my final assignment was at the United States Military Academy as an Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the Operation Research Center.
     
• What led you to pursue a career in higher education or your current field?
  • While completing my MS degree I was asked if I would like to go get my PhD and come back and teach at the Air Force’s graduate School. Later I then had the opportunity to teach at the USMA at West Point and really enjoyed the assignment.
     
• 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?
  • I had many great role models who taught me how to work with and care for people in the organization. 
     
• What is one of your most meaningful memories from your time in the military?
  • Watching the class of Seniors at the USMA at West Point graduate in May of 2002, knowing that many of them were soon heading off to support conflicts in the Middle East. 
     
• What does Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day mean to you personally?
  • Memorial day is a special day for me.  Each year I try and go out and help place flags at the national cemetery in Fayetteville to honor those that are no longer with us.  I think back to September 11th 2001, I was teaching a class of seniors at West Point when the twin towers fell down and I remember thinking that the lives of these young men and women are going to be forever changed. They all knew what was coming and they were all ready to serve.  Unfortunately, several of those students would go on to lose their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. I think of them each memorial day.
     
• How do you stay connected to the military or veteran community?
  • I stay connected with the local military community through several organizations.  I am a Life Member of the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) and a life member of the American Legion. I stay in close contact with many of my military finds through the Military Operations Research Society and other professional conferences.
     
• What advice would you give to other veterans or former military members entering the civilian workforce?
  • Military members have a deep respect for the mission.  That passion for mission success is easily transferable to the civilian workforce.  Pursue your work in the civilian sector with the same passion and effort that drove your success in the military.  As a veteran, you are among a small percentage of Americans who raised their right hand to support and defend the constitution of the United States, take advantage of the the resources provided to you as a veteran, you have earned them.

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.