Fostering a Military and Veteran Student Community

Graduating SVA President Jessica Andrade

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has been a top-ranked institution for military and veteran students, having been voted “Best for Vets” by Military Times for two consecutive years. With the extensive efforts made by the Military and Veteran Center, UIW is able to provide and expand opportunities that support all service members who are serving and who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of our country (uiw.edu).

One of these notable military-affiliated students is Spring 2025 graduate, Jessica “Jay” Andrade.

At the age of 17, Andrade was uncertain about committing to attend a four-year institution. What she did know was that she wanted to explore the world, learn all she could and have the opportunity to demonstrate her strong work ethics. Letting this vision guide her, she determined that enlisting in the Texas Army National Guard would be a route that would allow her to lead the life she desired.

For six years, she worked in Special Operations where she provided logistic support to the Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs) in C. Co 1st and 5th BN, 19^th SFG (A). After her years of service, she separated in 2018 as a Sergeant.

Andrade had pursued a Bachelor of Administration at a prior institution but then made the decision to take a year off from her studies. However, after witnessing a friend complete their Master’s through UIW’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) in just 18 months, she knew she wanted to continue her studies at UIW.

“I spent a lot of time trying to continue the ‘college experience’ – being connected to a college campus,” shared Andrade. “Even though all my classes were online and I wasn’t taught in a classroom, I still spent a great deal of time on campus where I talked with students, studied in the library and did homework.”

A unique opportunity that Andrade had was being able to connect with fellow military and veteran students by serving as the president of the UIW Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter. First established in 2009, the UIW SVA chapter operates in alignment with its vision to “empowering student veterans to enact change, succeed academically and live their best university experience.” (uiw.edu).

Through her role, she was able to help other veteran and military students to feel more comfortable on campus, as well as advocate and spread awareness on issues that affected their community.

“There have been so many events and meetings I’ve been to as a Veteran and President of the SVA,” said Andrade. “What I enjoyed the most was getting other military affiliated students to feel welcome in a city and state they weren’t familiar and getting students comfortable with stepping out of their shell and socializing more at different SVA outings.”

Looking back on her time at UIW, she appreciated all the resources and unique opportunities that helped her to grow and step out of her comfort zone. She recalls being invited to aid in broadcast interviews, social media promotion and even being featured in a commercial. She feels grateful for the experiences that she may have not partaken in had she not been encouraged to do so.

On Saturday, May 10, Andrade will officially walk the graduation stage to receive her Master of Science in Data Analytics. After working with LMI: Advanced Technology Solutions for six years, she has recently been offered a position to do data analytics work for the Office of Suicide Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her drive to continue to expand her knowledge has not faltered. She hopes to learn in the world of data analytics and one day become a consultant.

For all the ambitious goals she has set for the future, she hasn’t forgotten to celebrate the efforts that have led her to her current momentous achievement. “I’ve stopped to smell the roses of success and I’m happy,” said Andrade proudly.

Congratulations, Jessica “Jay” Andrade!