Rector Receives Student Veterans of America John Edelman Scholars Scholarship

Ryan Rector Scholarship

Congratulations to one of our amazing student veterans, Ryan Rector, who has been named as one of two of the first nationwide recipients of the Student Veterans of America John Edelman Scholars Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at supporting outstanding student veterans who are pursuing a degree or career in mental health counseling. Ryan intends on using this scholarship to help him pursue a Master's in Social Work at Carroll through our MSW program.  

In his nomination letter, Carroll’s Director of Veteran Services Brandy Keely shared, “I knew immediately that he was different from many of the other students I had worked with in the past. You see, in today's world it is not often that you come across individuals that not only take responsibility for themselves and their future but also accept the social responsibility to make the world a better place for others.” While at Carroll, Ryan has taken the lead in creating and developing a robust Veteran Service Organization on campus as well as spearheaded an initiative to designate dedicated parking spaces specifically for our student veterans. Keely added, “Ryan's leadership skills, coupled with his desire to help others achieve excellence will undoubtedly serve him well as he continues to work towards his goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ryan has indicated on more than one occasion that he looks forward to assisting his fellow brothers and sisters to overcome their fears, challenges, and barriers, so that they may become the best versions of themselves and lead productive, happy lives."

“Becoming a student at Carroll College was truly a blessing for my family and me,” said Ryan. “Since that fateful August day in 2021, I have had countless great experiences and opportunities afforded to me, all because I am a Carroll College student veteran."

I am proud to be a Carroll College student, I am grateful for its many opportunities, the support, the staff, faculty, and students that have blessed my life, the service members, and the education I am receiving. For me, becoming a Carroll student has been the adventure of a lifetime.

Ryan Rector One of two of the first nationwide recipients of the Student Veterans of America John Edelman Scholars Scholarship

“Perhaps the most important aspect of my Carroll experience has to do with me becoming a Peer Advisor work study with the Saints Success Center. I enjoy helping others, being of service, and overall improving the lives of others. I am a sociology major, (and) in addition to serving as a work-study has while at Carroll, I have also served as a non-traditional student senator, and as the president of the Carroll College Student Veterans Organization. Each of these experiences have been instrumental in my success while at Carroll, including being selected as one of the two recipients of the Student Veterans of America John Edelman Scholarship.

“Furthermore, there are very few scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the mental health field.  As a veteran, my education benefits cover almost all of my educational expenses.  Since COVID the housing market went haywire, (and) rent and mortgages are very high. The VA housing stipend covers a little over half of the cost of housing that a family of four would be comfortable with. This scholarship is extremely important to my family and I as we get prepared to move into something bigger that can accommodate our family adequately.  I really hope that there are more scholarships made available to individuals who are pursuing careers in mental health.

“I feel like I am walking the path that God intended for me. Receiving this scholarship is just another sign from God that I made the right choice when I chose Carroll College.

“I am proud to be a Carroll College student, I am grateful for its many opportunities, the support, the staff, faculty, and students that have blessed my life, the service members, and the education I am receiving.  For me, becoming a Carroll student has been the adventure of a lifetime."

Carroll’s student-run newspaper, The Prospector, ran a story on Ryan this past May. You can read it here: “A spirit reborn: Marine transitions from the battlefield to the classroom.”

About the John Edelman Scholars Scholarship

John Edelman is committed to supporting education that promotes improved mental health for veterans and service-members. He has committed to providing two $10,000 scholarships for high-performing student veterans pursuing degrees/careers in mental health counseling, and through the John Edelman Scholars program, to reward achievement and encourage further study.