Southern Connecticut State University once again has cause to celebrate Britt Conroy, coordinator of veteran, military, and adult learner services. Earlier this year, Conroy was named Connecticut’s 2025 Veteran of the Year for Higher Education, and she has now been named National Veteran of the Year for Air Force for 2025.
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.
Military Friendly® said of Conroy’s latest honor, “While Britt was originally recognized at the state level in Higher Ed, her national designation shifted to the Air Force category. This decision was based on her outstanding interview and her strong representation of the Air Force, which is her branch of service. Although she serves in Higher Ed, she also embodies the values and leadership of the Air Force community.”
Conroy enlisted in the Air Force 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 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.
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.
“I am humbled to have been nominated by my friend and colleague, Lisa Galvin [associate dean of graduate enrollment management],” Conroy said. “I am also grateful to everyone who voted for me to be able to receive both the Connecticut Veteran of the Year Award and the National Air Force Veteran of the Year Award.
“I am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country, and I am equally proud to be able to continue serving my fellow veterans, military-connected students, their family members, and our adult learners, as the coordinator for Veteran, Military and Adult Learner Services here at SCSU.
“Representing the State of Connecticut and now the United States Air Force feels surreal. I am truly honored to have been selected, and it is important to me to do all that I can to be deserving of these awards. My service is something I am proud of, and it remains very meaningful to me. I will do my best to continue to adhere to the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence. These awards have helped to reaffirm my desire to serve every day and to strive for excellence in all that I do.”
Tracy Tyree, vice president for student affairs, said, “Britt Conroy is an amazing member of our Southern community. We have a long and proud tradition of supporting veteran and military-connected students through our Veterans Center. We are fortunate to have Britt leading this work and ensuring our students have strong support to pursue their education at Southern. This recognition is well-deserved.”
