Candace Terry, a dedicated advocate for veterans and a driving force behind the University of South Carolina’s (USC) veteran services shared her inspiring journey and the impactful initiatives that have earned USC recognition as a Top Veteran-Friendly School.
A Journey from Navy to Advocacy
Terry’s story is one of resilience and dedication. She served eight years in the Navy as a Russian and Persian Farsi crypto analyst and developed a unique skill set that later facilitated her transition into civilian life. After her military service, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Russian studies at the University of Kentucky, where she joined the Student Veterans Association and discovered her passion for veteran advocacy. This passion eventually led her to the University of South Carolina, where she is completing her master’s in social work.
At USC, Terry has been instrumental in developing services for veterans, culminating in the creation of her current position. Her role involves working closely with the university administration to ensure veterans receive the support and resources needed to succeed.
Bridging Military Skills to Civilian Success
Terry attributes her relatively smooth transition from military to civilian life to the applicability of her military skills in the Department of Defense (DoD) contracting sector. Her focus was clear: obtain the necessary degree and transition into DoD contracting for intelligence work. This goal-oriented approach highlights the importance of leveraging military experience to meet civilian career requirements.
Recognized Excellence in Veteran Services
USC’s recognition as a Top Veteran-Friendly School is a testament to its commitment to its veteran population. Terry emphasizes that this achievement is rooted in the strength and activism of the student veteran community. The administration’s support has been crucial, enabling the establishment of centralized services on campus, such as a one-stop shop for veteran benefits and community resource outreach.
In 2022, USC was voted the Number One Best School for Veterans and continues to rank in the top 10. The newly created South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs has rated USC as a gold-standard university, further cementing its reputation. Terry credits the grassroots efforts of student veterans for these milestones, underscoring the importance of building support from the ground up.
Visibility & Outreach
Finding the veteran services center at USC is relatively straightforward. Located in a prominent building near the scenic Horseshoe area, the center is easily accessible. USC also maintains a robust social media presence and conducts extensive outreach on campus, including involvement in new student orientations, to guide students to the resources they need.
Promoting a Veteran-Inclusive Culture
USC’s commitment to a veteran-inclusive culture is evident in its array of events and programs. The Veterans Day breakfast, now in its 10th or 11th year, along with the Veterans Day 5K and a week of events, celebrates and honors veterans’ service. The Military Appreciation Game is a significant highlight, where student veterans run the team onto the field, carrying service flags.
Terry’s background in social work informs her efforts to educate the university community about veteran culture and attitudes. Comprehensive Green Zone training is offered to all USC campuses, ensuring that faculty, staff and students understand and support their veteran peers.
Building a Strong Community
The Student Veterans Association, established in 2014, plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community among veteran students. Despite the challenges veterans face in higher education, such as balancing school with mortgages and families, veterans at USC outperform their peers in GPA, graduation and retention rates. Terry’s position on the Graduation and Retention Council allows her to advocate for veteran students and implement changes that improve their academic success.
Continuous Improvement & Future Initiatives
USC continuously strives to enhance its veteran services. One innovative program is the Palmetto Pathfinder initiative, in partnership with the State Department of Veterans Affairs. This mentorship program pairs experienced veterans with incoming students to provide guidance and support. An early intervention program also identifies at-risk students and connects them with mentors.
Looking ahead, USC plans to establish a standalone center to host community partners, providing a comprehensive support network for veterans. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to offer holistic, wraparound services based on the social determinants of health.
A Team Dedicated to Excellence
In her short tenure at USC, Terry has been impressed by the passion and dedication of her team. She is enthusiastic about the future and confident that USC will maintain its top rankings in veteran support.
For prospective veteran students and their families, learning about USC’s resources is as simple as a quick online search for “University of South Carolina veteran and military services,” which leads to a wealth of information and contacts.
Through Terry’s leadership and the collective efforts of the USC community, the university continues to set the standard in veteran support and advocacy, ensuring that those who have served their country receive the recognition, resources and respect they deserve.
Read more articles for the veteran community here.
