Behind every successful veteran initiative at Southern is Britt Conroy ’16, MS ’20 — now Connecticut’s 2025 Veteran of the Year for Higher Education and a finalist for the national title.
Conroy’s recognition is part of a nationwide effort by Military Friendly to celebrate the contributions that veterans make to their communities. Last year, thanks largely to Conroy’s work, Southern earned a spot on Viqtory Media’s esteemed list of 2024-2025 “Military Friendly Schools.” The university achieved “Silver Status” in the 2024-2025 rankings, making it the highest-ranking institution among Connecticut’s small universities included in the survey. Over 1,200 colleges and universities participated in this comprehensive survey.
Conroy was appointed coordinator of veteran, military, and adult learner services in 2022. One of her first assignments upon receiving the post was to strengthen public awareness of Southern’s commitment to the military community.
“It is an amazing honor to be selected to represent the state of Connecticut and Southern with his award,” said Conroy. I have received many well wishes from my colleagues and friends across our campus who let me know that they voted. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve our veteran- and military-connected students and their families in this role, and I am equally grateful for the support we all receive from the wonderful faculty and staff here at SCSU.”
Herself a veteran of the United States Air Force, Conroy enlisted after taking courses at Gateway Community College, and she served as a diagnostic imaging technologist for over six years, earning the rank of staff sergeant. Upon completing her service, she chose to attend Southern, drawn by the university’s support for veterans.
Southern has a dedicated a Veteran and Military Resource Center that serves as a “one-stop” shop for this unique student population. The center offers study space and staff members who can assist with unique needs pertaining to benefits or services available to them.
Lisa Galvin, associate dean of graduate enrollment management, nominated Conroy for the award. “With her never-ending dedication, support, and veteran service, it was clear that I needed to try to celebrate her,” Galvin said. “I’m so very happy she won out of all Connecticut!”
Sal Rizza, director of orientation, transition and family engagement, applauds Conroy’s work with veterans and finds her to be an inspiration. “This is not simply a job for Britt,” Rizza said. “This is her passion. This is her calling. She is steadfast in her commitment to student success, relentless in her advocacy for student veterans, and unwavering in her care of everyone she encounters. There are few individuals at Southern that represent our institution’s values better than Britt Conroy. Personally, it is an honor and privilege to work alongside her. While I serve as her supervisor, I learn from her example continually.”
Vote for Conroy for national Military Friendly Veteran of the Year 2025
