Veteran Peer Mentoring

Veteran Peer Mentoring (VPM) is a peer support program that connects incoming and current student Veterans with the purpose of easing the transition to college life at Iowa.

Interested in getting connected to a peer mentor or becoming a peer mentor?

Contact us at UI-VPA@uiowa.edu!

Meet the Mentors for Spring 2023!

Photo of Joseph Beston

Joseph

Team Lead

My name is Joe, and I am a senior studying Business Analytics + Information Systems (BAIS) at the University of Iowa. I'm also a member of the Iowa Air National Guard, serving part-time while being a full-time student. I wanted to be a peer mentor to get more connected with the veteran community and help veterans transition to life at a Big Ten University!

Photo of Savannah Rupp

Savannah

Mentor

I'm a Third Year Enterprise Leadership major with a minor in Rhetoric and Persuasion. I joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 2018 and plan to go Active Duty after college! I also dedicate the rest of the time as a student-athlete for the UI Women's Rowing team!

Photo of Paul McCarthy

Paul

Mentor

I'm a senior in the BLS program at the University of Iowa. I've been in the Army National Guard since 2018 and I grew up in Northern Virginia. My hobbies consistent of spending time with friends and family, playing cards, working out, and watching sports. I'm a Denver Broncos fan but more importantly, an Iowa Hawkeyes fan. I am very easy to reach so please do not hesitate to contact me!

Photo of Spencer Mitchell

Spencer

Mentor

I’m a second-year law student here at Iowa. I served as an Army Infantryman from 2014 – 2019, then I received my bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Washburn University in 2021. I am also a student writer on The Journal of Corporation Law. When I’m not reading and/or writing about the law, I enjoy cycling, playing Chess, and watching Chiefs football!

Photo of Jason Nye

Jason

Mentor

My name is Jason Nye and I use the pronouns he/him. I am a senior at the University of Iowa, majoring in accounting.  

I have been in the Marine Corps Reserve for nearly three years, as a rifleman in the infantry. I have another three years on my contract, and we will see from there. 

I wanted to be a peer mentor to help those in the military connected community achieve their scholastic goals. School is difficult and can cause mental, emotional and even physical stress. I want to help people access the resources they need to succeed and be there for them in whatever difficulties they face. 

One interesting fact about me is that I went on a study abroad to Tanzania, Africa, where I was able to hike to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and spend a week camping among lions and elephants on a safari.