Outstanding Alumni – David Snow

DAVID SNOW (EdD, 2013) is the director of military affairs for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. He promotes higher education awareness, access, collaboration and achievement for all current and past members of the military community and their families. Previously, Snow was associate professor at National Defense University’s Joint Forces Staff College. Prior to joining National Defense University, he was a human resources policy manager for the U.S. Navy. In addition to his doctorate from UGA, he earned an MBA from Auburn University, a master’s in military history from Norwich University, and a bachelor’s in marketing from Georgia College and State University.

What are you currently working on (i.e. research, major projects, etc.)?

I work with USG institutions, military installations, service organizations and community leaders to address any issue related to military and veteran students and their families. I also represent USG on the Governor’s Returning Veterans Task Force. Military and veteran student issues can vary widely and may involve affordability, access or student support services. A major effort during my first year on the job was to address affordability issues related to fees paid by military members and expanding in-state rates to recently separated military. In both instances, the BOR approved policy revisions making our public institutions a more affordable option for these students. Additionally, the number of Veterans Centers on USG campuses more than doubled in the last year, and more institutions are offering priority registration to veteran students utilizing GI Bill benefits. These all represent the commitment of both USG and individual institutions to serve this segment of the student population.

In what ways does your IHE training apply to your work?

Everything I learned via IHE applies directly to my current position. Issues relating to policy formulation and implementation, financial aid, student affairs and academic affairs all comprise a significant portion of my work responsibilities.

What’s your favorite memory of IHE and/or your experience as a student?

Interaction with professionals—both cohort members and IHE faculty—across all areas of higher education. Their experiences and knowledge added greatly to the dialogue and supported learning objectives with relevant and timely real-world examples. Of course, the speakers provided for the Leadership Series were also outstanding and covered very important topics that perhaps we would not have had the opportunity to explore otherwise.

What do you think is IHE’s best asset?

Aside from the outstanding faculty and support staff, I would say the overall quality of the academic programs and the superb reputation of the Institute. When I was looking into doctoral programs the top two factors I considered were academic quality and reputation of the institution. Though I resided in Virginia, the more I researched options it became clear that both the Institute of Higher Education and the University of Georgia were outstanding! I could not be more pleased with my experiences and the great value IHE and UGA provided me both personally and professionally.

If you could sum up your IHE experience in three words, what would you say?

Center of Excellence. It is difficult to summarize in just three words as the IHE offers so much. However, in the military we often had “Centers of Excellence” and IHE certainly meets that criteria! IHE is a true Center of Excellence for research, teaching and professional success.