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

  1. Avatar for Joe Brownell
    Executive Director
    Work
    Email
    jbrownell2@unl.edu
  2. Avatar for Thomas Allison
    Assistant Director
    Work
    Email
    tallison2@unl.edu
  3. Avatar for Deb Quinn
    VA Coordinator
    Work
    Email
    dquinn2@unl.edu
  4. Avatar for Natalie Frederick
    Military and VA Benefits Specialist and Program Coordinator
    Work
    Email
    natalie.frederick@unl.edu

Appointments

There are three ways to arrange an appointment with the Director of the Military and Veteran Success Center, Joe Brownell.

  1. Call our reception desk at (402) 472-4130
  2. Email us at vetsuccess@unl.edu
  3. 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:

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!

Jack Shattuck
Kayla standing in front of bridge

Kayla Woodruff


Class Standing: Freshman

Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice


I consider Nebraska home, but with an Active Duty Army dad, I've lived in Virginia, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, and currently Texas. Upon graduation, I'd like to use my degree to serve my country in the FBI or Secret Service. When I'm not working, you'll find me on a volleyball court, at a Husker game, going to see the latest movie, or listening to music. I also love to hang out with my family and friends and meet new people.

Emily Caldwell


Class Standing: Senior

Major: Psychology

Minor: Criminal Justice, French, National Security Studies


I served six years Active Duty as Security Forces in the United States Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base. My future goals are to become a clinical psychologist with the VA, either working with veterans with PTSD or being attached to a special warfare unit. I would eventually like to serve again, either going back into the military or as a civilian. Outside of school and working at the MVSC, I enjoy reading…a lot!

Emily holding a plant.

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:

Cam Shifrin

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.

Ella Peterson
Caroline Belleque

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!