National veterans organization recognizes military-connected Ashland student-teacher

While Gwendalyn (Smith) Boyer enjoyed her first job after leaving the Air Force at a home improvement store, it just didn’t feel quite right.

“I remember feeling as though so much of the hard work I had poured into my military career had become less than useful,” said Boyer, a public affairs specialist during her 4 ½ years of service.

So, she decided to give college a try and enrolled at Ashland University in 2020.

Being recognized recently among only 16 military-connected students in the country by the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) made her service feel purposeful again, she said.

“It serves as a reminder that my experiences never stopped being meaningful,” said Boyer, who is an early childhood education major at AU. “I just needed a fresh perspective.”

According to a news release from NVLF, Boyer and the other 15 students, selected because of their commitment to making a difference on their campuses, are taking part in a six-month development program through Zoom with experts from the public, private, military and nonprofit sectors that is designed to help them grow as leaders. The 16 NVFL fellows, who also each receive a scholarship stipend, will meet in person during a June conference in Columbus.

“Returning to school after serving your country – or balancing schoolwork with the responsibilities of still serving in uniform – is a challenge,” Maj. Gen. Timothy Zadalis, USAF, retired, dean of the NVLF Fellowship Program, said in the release. “Student leaders play a critical role in helping create an inclusive campus that supports the military-connected community.”

Since coming to Ashland, Boyer has been a student worker for the Military and Veterans Services organization on campus who is willing to jump in and help when needed, said Chelsea Weiler, enrollment specialist with Military and Veterans Services.

“Gwen has a very positive attitude,” Weiler said. “She is very outgoing and loves to be part of any organization that is geared toward veterans. She is very deserving of this fellowship. She has shown so much growth since being part of this organization and AU.

“She has impacted a lot of new students when they arrived on campus with her graciousness and willingness to lend a hand,” added Weiler.

Boyer also is the first student at AU to be honored with this NVLF award, according to Weiler.

Mona Burdine, field supervisor for the Dwight Schar College of Education who is working with Boyer during her student-teaching internship this semester, said Boyer is doing a great job in her classroom collaborating with her cooperating teacher to provide interesting and engaging lessons.

“Gwen expressed to me that her military background has taught her to always have a plan,” Burdine said. “She knows that on top of her daily schedule and teachings, she must be prepared for the unexpected.”

“Her military background will definitely be an asset to her future as an educator,” added Laura Kanney, director of field experiences and internships. “She has the drive and commitment needed allowing her to work through trying times.”

Boyer is student-teaching first grade at Madison South Elementary School in the school district she graduated from in 2014.

“It feels pretty neat to be able to be back in my home district,” said Boyer, who will graduate from AU this spring. “I’m grateful to have found a career that I love and one that fits me so well.”