Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) share a deep commitment: ensuring that the men and women who have served our nation are fully equipped to navigate the way ahead. What began as a mission-aligned collaboration four years ago has become a thriving partnership creating new educational and career pathways for service members and veterans across the country.
The relationship between IWU and SOAA began through the Veterans Education Project (VEP) in 2021. At that time, IWU was seeking to expand its offerings for student veterans and students actively serving in the military by forming connections with organizations devoted to serving those who serve. IWU built relationships with key military education partners through VEP, including the Council for College and Military Educators and the Joint Special Operations University. One of those early partners, Dan Elkins, a founding executive director of VEP, later became the CEO of SOAA. That connection laid the foundation for IWU and SOAA’s thriving partnership today.
Both SOAA and IWU recognize the indispensable role that military families play in sustaining the strength, readiness, and resilience of the Special Operations community and beyond. Through their collaboration, that mission now extends to ensuring all veterans have opportunities to translate their hard-won discipline and leadership skills into academic achievement and meaningful careers.
From this partnership, IWU developed two degree programs tailored specifically for military veterans: an associate of science in Public Service Management and a Bachelor of Science in Global Security and Strategy Management. These innovative degrees are designed to recognize the training, leadership, and strategic experience gained through military service, turning those skills into credentials that create or advance careers and strengthen communities.
The family stands at the center of every service member’s ability to serve excellently with purpose. In recognition of that commitment, IWU proudly extends aggressive military discounting tailored to support not only the service member, but also the military spouse both throughout their time in uniform and in their transition to the civilian landscape when the call to serve has been fulfilled.
Both IWU and SOAA are energized by the momentum of this partnership. In the coming months, they will continue to expand educational pathways, connect with more service members, and create new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Together, IWU and SOAA are ensuring that the dedication of America’s service members is matched with the resources, education, and support they need to thrive beyond their time in uniform, pursuing a lifelong mission of courage and service without equal.
IWU is proud to partner with the SOAA to support service members and veterans as they navigate life beyond uniform. Through flexible, mission-driven degree programs, IWU helps you translate your leadership, discipline, and experience into meaningful academic and career opportunities.
