UW Bothell, in its continued commitment to student veterans, has hired Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Corps representative Erle Hunter, a twenty- three year Navy veteran. The retired chief petty officer graduated from UW Bothell in 2012 where he also served as a Student Veterans Association officer.

Hunter’s goal as the university’s Vet Corp representative is to work with and assist veterans and their families in the transition from military service to the civilian sector and the university setting. He says he understands the many challenges faced by veterans when transitioning into higher education. One challenge he faced was age. “It felt strange attending classes with young adults who were only five years older than my daughter.” Hunter says the open minded UW Bothell culture helped him with his transition. “The great support the university’s faculty and staff have given to student veterans like me helped me achieve my community psychology BA and human rights minor.” He added, “Now, I can serve our veterans on campus, which I have wanted to do for a long time coming.”

Hunter will also work closely with the university’s Community-based Learning and Research (CBLR) Program in the planning and coordination of community service programs with other veterans, their families, and the general population throughout the academic year. Program director Paul Markham says Hunter is building something that will last.

“Vets come to us with an array of work and life experiences and they help make UW Bothell what we are,” Hunter said. “Erle is a gifted manager with a real heart for our vets. He is creating community engagement opportunities that put the special skills of our veterans to work.”

When asked how he hopes to have an impact on the lives of student veterans at UW Bothell, Hunter said, “I just hope they continue to pay it forward and always help a fellow veteran when they are in need.”