The Military & Veteran Success Center provides students with opportunities that encourage engagement outside the classroom through advising, career decision-making, financial planning, health services and other personal support resources.
People
Appointments
There are three ways to arrange an appointment with the Director of the Military and Veteran Success Center, Joe Brownell.
- Call our reception desk at (402) 472-4130
- Email us at vetsuccess@unl.edu
- Schedule appointment on-line through Student Success Hub at my.unl.edu
Walk-ins
Walk-ins are a great way to get acquainted with our VA Coordinator, Deb Quinn, and Support Services or have a quick question addressed.
Location
Room 16, Nebraska Union
Fall, Spring, and Summer Semester Hours
8 a.m.-5p.m.
Work Study Mentors
The MVSC provide work study mentors as an outlet for students who seek various necessities. Work Study Mentors are diligent in providing students with the right information so that they can achieve their own personal goals. They are also current university students who have a connection to the military, so they are more than willing to be a experienced and trusted advisor to those who may want more information. These mentors have gone through the process that other students would go though and are there to provide the necessary know how. A short introduction of the Work Study Mentors is featured below:
ArianaJoy Cobler
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Journalism & Broadcasting
Minor: Fashion Apparel Design
My job is to ensure that military-connected students are receiving the necessary news and knowledge by making sure social media communications are up-to-date. I am involved throughout the campus and familiar with various clubs and organizations offered at UNL. Most of my young life was spent overseas in Asia and Australia, as I am from a military family. My father graduated high school in Crofton, NE and immediately got shipped to Japan and ever since then my family and I made Asia and Australia our homes. I moved to different installations every two to three years and lived in places like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. I am a proud Filipino American and am deeply devoted to my heritage. I aspire to be in entertainment journalism primarily within fashion. Outside of school, I enjoy taking photos and exploring Lincoln with my friends.
Nicholas Bennetts
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Child, Youth & Family Studies
I would eventually like to be a church youth pastor. Although it’s not traditional for pastors to attend a 4-year university, I really wanted to seize the opportunity of getting more education and life experience. I am military-connected through my father who was involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Marine. I got involved at the MVSC because of my sister Abi who is a tutor mentor. She introduced me and recommended I become a work-study mentor. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Izabel and spending time with family and friends doing fun activities such as sports and video games.
Kyle Potratz
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Actuarial Science
I joined the Marine Corps in 2015 right after my senior year of high school. I was stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA for a year before being selected for the Marine Security Guard MOS. During my time as a Marine Security Guard, I was stationed at U.S. embassies in Managua, Nicaragua; Nairobi, Kenya; and The Hague, Netherlands. After graduation, I hope to find a position as an Actuary. Outside of school, I like to lift weights, play video games, play board games, and spend time in nature. I also play three instruments: guitar, piano, and saxophone.
Jack Shattuck
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
I’m from Omaha, NE and graduated from high school early so I could join the Army. I served from 2017-2021 with the 82nd Airborne Division and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2019-2020. I then worked as an EMT in Omaha before starting college here at UNL. I am majoring in psychology with plans to attend law school in the future. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and going to the gym with my girlfriend Maggie. I have three siblings and we all love cheering on the Huskers with our parents. GBR!
Bre Gray
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Journalism, Broadcasting
Minor: Leadership Communication
My father is retired from the army so I’ve been involved in the military world since I was little. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve military families at the MVSC. I love to meet new people and I’m always eager to find ways to get connected. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, photography, and attending live events such as plays and concerts.
Katelyn Ganske
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Minor: Community Regional Planning
I’ve grown up an Air Force brat. When I started school in Nebraska, my parents were stationed very far away, which quickly made the MVSC a home to me. This encouraged me to be able to give back to the center! I also worked as a Social Media Manager for Bloom Military Teens while in high school, so getting back to working for military families and veterans made me very happy. Outside of school and work, I enjoy traveling, exploring Lincoln, and hanging out with my friends.
Academic Support Mentors
The MVSC Academic Support Mentors provide ongoing assistance toward academic success and personal goals through free tutoring. The services of the MVSC Academic Support Mentors are generally available 4:30-7:30pm Monday through Thursday during the Fall and Spring semesters in the subject areas of English, Writing, Math, Science and Spanish. A short introduction of the Academic Support Mentors is featured below:
Abigail Bennetts Burkey
Class Standing: Third-Year Graduate Student
Major: Law
I’m currently the Spanish tutor. As a military dependent, I have had access to the resources in the MVSC and wanted to contribute to what is offered to other military-connected students by becoming a tutor. After I finish law school, I hope to use my degree to be in a service-driven vocation acting as an advocate and voice for those who may be silenced. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, playing pickleball, and binge-watching my favorite shows.
William Johnson
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering
My main reason for wanting to help others stems from my mother who is a teacher. She served as my inspiration to become a tutor in high school, and I am now continuing that work here in college by tutoring math and science in the MVSC. My military connection is through my family as well. My cousin served two tours as a United States Marine. He’d be proud that I’m working here helping military connected students with their academics. After I graduate from UNL with my undergraduate degree, I plan to enter a graduate level program to focus more on specific engineering topics that I enjoy. Outside of school, I enjoy online horror stories, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Cam Shifrin
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Fisheries & Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Minor: Environmental Science
I am currently the English & Writing tutor for the MVSC. I come from a military family. Both my parents are/were JAGS in the Air Force. So, tutoring those who are also involved in the military feels like my way to give back. I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2026 and aim to complete both a master’s and PhD program in ecology and conservation. My end goal is to become a professor. Outside of UNL, I love anything outdoors, such as hiking and skiing. My other hobbies include writing, reading, going to the gym, and going to concerts. Can't wait to meet everyone!
Ella Peterson
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Architecture
Minor: Physics
I currently tutor math at the MVSC. I have enjoyed math from an early age and always enjoyed helping others whenever they needed it. My military connection is my grandpa who was a Marine and in the Army National Guard, along with my uncle who was in the Army. I aim to get my master's in architecture and minors in math and physics. After I graduate I plan on joining an international firm and traveling to third-world countries helping design more affordable eco-friendly housing for those in need. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going to the gym, reading, art, and snowboarding in the winter.
Caroline Belleque
Majors: Mathematics & Secondary Mathematics Education
Minor: Music
I am currently one of the math tutors for the MVSC. My military connection is through my dad, who was active-duty Air Force for 22 years and retired in 2008, and my brother, who is currently an active-duty member of the Navy. I have always loved math, and I am so excited to be in a position where I can share that love with others! Along with my love of math I have also developed a passion for education throughout the years and have spent many summers as a youth swim instructor. After I graduate, I want to work as a high school math teacher and potentially get my master's degree in order to teach at a lower collegiate level (I love calculus). Outside of school, I am the current treasurer of UNL's chapter of the Association of Women in Mathematics (AWM), a member of UNL Boots & Cats, one of the acapella groups on campus, and an enjoyer of books and swimming!