Statement from the President – Veterans Day

President Katrina S. Rogers, Ph.D.

This Veterans Day marks the first time I will commemorate our veterans without the presence of my husband, Ret. Army Maj. Bill Cherry. My beloved husband and dedicated veteran passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2023 (read Bill’s obituary here).  

Bill was not just a veteran; he was a beacon of hope for many. As a young man from a small town in Arizona, he saw the Army as his duty and a chance at a better future. Enlisting in 1961, he viewed it as the right thing to do and believed that if he survived the perils of Vietnam, he could secure a college education upon his return. Determined, Bill served three tours in Vietnam and dedicated 25 years of his life to the Army, with postings in West Germany, South Korea, and across the U.S. His commitment and valor earned him the opportunity to study at the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University under the GI Bill, where he earned his doctorate in political science. At NAU, Bill taught political science and believed that an understanding of the Constitution was essential to a good education. He transitioned into teaching humor writing at NAU, corralling his friends to read side-splitting student essays and awarding prizes for the best ones.  

He remained grounded in his Army roots. In Flagstaff, Bill served as commander of the American Legion, Mark Moore Post #3 (2007-2008) and was involved in local democratic politics for many years. He volunteered for Flagstaff International Relief Effort (FIRE), the MS Society, and offered his humor and skills as a charity auctioneer to local organizations. He was a member of the American Legion riders, ABATE, and Veterans for Peace. For his 70th birthday, he completed the motorcycle Run for the Wall, a tribute to Vietnam Veterans.  

Bill’s life was a tapestry of diverse experiences, from his early days in beauty school to his service in the Army and his academic pursuits. His zest for life, infectious humor, and commitment to service made him a cherished figure in his community and around the world. While my world will never be the same, the commitment to honoring our veterans deeply runs through my veins. Bill and I were married for 32 years, and I have the distinct privilege to help Bill’s legacy live on. On this Veterans Day, I honor Bill and the individuals who have fought – and continue to fight – for our country’s freedoms.  

In today’s uncertain world, our freedoms, a sense of community, and belonging matter more than ever.  

We know that it can be challenging for our veterans and their families to transition from active service to a civilian way of life, from loss of social supports, accessibility and differences in healthcare, relocation, new career goals, and more. According to the Student Veterans of America, student veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill across the country have a 72 percent success rate, with nearly two-thirds of veterans are first-generation college students. At Fielding, we acknowledge the needs and experiences of our veterans and aim to create environments in which military service people and their families can flourish in their professional and personal lives. We also offer academic scholarships and other educational benefits to support our veterans. We value individualism but also an inclusive, collaborative spirit centered on adult learners from diverse backgrounds.  

I continue to remain encouraged by our alums’ work with veterans in the realms of self-efficacy and resilience, perceived attachments to unit and post-discharge adjustments, Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder and posttraumatic growth, among a wealth of other topics. I encourage you to seek out Fielding dissertation research done by veterans and on veterans’ issues. 

Fielding’s offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 to observe Veterans Day. This year, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is hosting an Honoring Our Veterans event on Monday, Nov. 13 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Register here.  I hope you will attend. 

We still have a long journey ahead to support our veterans and their loved ones. However, I am confident in Fielding’s mission to enhance student-driven inquiry, enhance knowledge, and provide a sense of belonging for veterans and everyone. 

For those in our Fielding community who have served and made sacrifices – thank you. If you’re a military spouse, like me, or are a family member or other loved one, thank you for your strength and support during the best and worst of times. We acknowledge your vital role as a support system for the veterans you deeply love. We honor you at Fielding and support you on your continued journey toward scholarship and practice. You inspire each of us with your resilience, courage, and commitment. 

I encourage each of us to reflect on the many contributions of our veterans on this day and for years to come. 

Sincerely,  

Katrina S. Rogers, Ph.D.
President