About us
Statement of need and purpose
Developed in partnership with the Pat Tillman Veterans’ Center, the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagemnt (OVMAE) is designed to connect veterans and university communities and to identify and create venues that reflect veterans’ voices and experiences. Today less than one percent of our society serves in the armed forces or is a dependent of those service members. The American model of civil-military relations assumes an important role for civilians and civilian politicians in the making of war, foreign and security policy, but, especially since the move toward the all-volunteer army, the gap between civilian and military cultures has been growing dangerously wide.
OVMAE will strive to address that gap by providing opportunities for our “traditional” students, faculty and staff to listen to the stories of those who have experienced war and military service through support of oral history projects. Listening to Veterans’ stories, makes the humanities and arts the core of its vision, but the office also seeks to engage with colleagues in other disciplines, above all the social sciences and professional schools, who are also learning from and about Veterans in their own research and teaching. Because Veterans, like all students, come from diverse backgrounds, face diverse challenges and have diverse ambitions, the Office seeks to provide diverse paths to student success but also to work toward a holistic approach to Veteran students and their educational paths at ASU.
Who we are
Wanda Wright
Peter M. and Michelle H. Wilver Director, Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement
Wanda Wright is the third generation of her family to serve in the U.S. military. As a 1985 United States Air Force Academy graduate she began her military career as Deputy Budget Officer with the Tactical Air Command in South Carolina. During 21 years with the Arizona National Guard, she served in various positions finishing her career as the Director of Staff for the Adjutant General in Phoenix. She retired from military service in 2011 at the rank of Colonel. In 2015, Wright was selected by Governor Doug Ducey to lead the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.
Wright was selected as the Director of the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement and began her duties on 1June 2023.
Wright holds a B.S. in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a M.B.A from Webster University in South Carolina, a M.P.A. from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. Director Wright’s decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster.
Wright was the President for the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (2022-2023). She was appointed to serve on the VA’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans in 2018. She continues to serve on the Committee as Vice Chairman.
Stacey Eastwood
Coordinator
Stacey Eastwood is the Coordinator of the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement. Before joining OVMAE, Stacey worked as a school certifying specialist with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at the West campus. She is a U.S. Army veteran and served during the peacekeeping mission, IFOR, in Bosnia-Herzegovena in 1996.
Born and raised near the Ft. Sill Army base, Stacey is part of a family with a rich military history. Her father served for 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, her uncle is a Vietnam Veteran, and both of her aunts served in the U.S. Air Force.Along with many other family members who served in all branches of the U.S. military.
Stacey is a ASU alum who graduated from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences on the West campus with a Bachelor of Arts degree in women and gender studies and a Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is interested in providing a community environment for all military-affiliated Arizona State University students and to assist with their transition from a military-focused environment to a broader civilian focus with an understanding of the support systems available to them.
Anne Adkinson
Program Coordinator
Anne is mom to four kids and has been the full-time caregiver for her post 9/11 Marine Corps veteran husband for over 13 years. She is an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow Alumni where she represents the 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers serving in our country. As a veteran caregiver subject matter expert, she advises local and national government leaders, organizations, communities and stakeholders on legislation, policies, and programs to help improve the lives of caregivers and the veterans they serve.
Anne volunteers at the Phoenix VA where she facilitates Whole Health groups for caregivers. Anne is a published writer and public speaker where she openly shares her family's journey to educate and drive support for caregivers and veterans. She serves as Chair of the Phoenix VA Veteran Family Advisory Council (VFAC), which partners with executive leadership to identify systemic challenges, develop strategic improvements for veteran and family support programs, and promotes initiatives that enhance care coordination, community integration, and policy responsiveness.
Anne earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Positive Psychology from ASU and is honored to continue serving the veteran community through advocacy, support, programming, and education as Program Coordinator at OVMAE.