For many military veterans, the transition from service to civilian life comes with unique challenges — ones that don’t necessarily end after securing a job. At Oregon State University, many veterans have felt there was no dedicated space for them to connect, share resources or advocate for their needs. That is changing with the formation of BEAVS (Beaver Employee Association for Veteran Success), a new affinity group designed to support OSU’s veteran employees.
“We realized there was a strong network of veterans on campus, but no formal structure for them to connect,” said Bill Draper, BEAVS steering committee co-chair. “This group is about building a sense of community, providing mentorship opportunities and making sure veterans’ voices are heard in university policies.”
While OSU has long been committed to student veterans, employee veterans often navigate the workplace without the same level of institutional support. Currently, more than 200 employees on all OSU campuses identify as veterans, representing a wide range of backgrounds and career paths. Many share common concerns, including navigating workplace culture, translating military experience into professional advancement and ensuring that OSU recognizes and supports veterans in meaningful ways.
One of the top priorities for BEAVS is advocacy. “Veterans bring leadership, problem-solving skills and a mission-driven mindset to their work,” said Draper, an Air Force veteran and director of IT Audit at OSU. “But sometimes, those skills aren’t fully understood or valued in academia. We want to change that.”
The group will also provide professional development and mentorship opportunities tailored to veteran employees. Whether it’s guidance on career advancement, connecting with other veterans in higher education or simply having a space to share experiences, BEAVS aims to be a resource for those who have served.
The Office of Institutional Diversity and the OSU Holcombe Center for Military and Veteran Resources helped bring this affinity group to life with their commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus for all veterans.
Beyond offering direct support, the group also serves a broader purpose: fostering a workplace where veterans feel recognized and valued. Affinity groups like BEAVS provide underrepresented communities with a collective voice, helping to shape policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity.
OSU employees interested in joining or learning more can sign up for the BEAVS mailing list or connect with organizers via [email protected].
~ Written by Bernie Wang
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