J-School student named National Veterans Leadership Foundation Fellow

LAWRENCE – The National Veterans Leadership Foundation recently announced a University of Kansas student as one of 16 students from across the country to serve as a 2023 Foundation Fellow.

Aurora Turner, junior in strategic communications and a military dependent, will take part in a six-month development program designed to help military-affiliated students grow as leaders, continue their lives of service and make a positive impact on the military-connected community on their campuses. In addition, each fellow will receive a scholarship stipend to help support their higher education studies. 

“It means a lot to me that I get the chance to further expand my leadership skills and grow my network. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can about how to make my campus a better place for military-affiliated students,” Turner said.

Turner serves as a VA Work Study student employee in the Lt. Gen William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center, a member of KU Student Veterans of America and a member of the KU Finance Club.

“I am so proud of Aurora on her selection as an NVLF Fellow,” said April Blackmon Strange, MASC director. “As a military dependent who moved 10 times growing up, graduated from an overseas high school and spent her first year and a half of college in Italy attending KU virtually because of COVID-19, Aurora brings a unique perspective and passion to connect with others who are transitioning from the military world to college life. The opportunity to work with a cohort of students with similar identities and their own unique stories will not only benefit her personally and professionally but will also help us better serve KU’s military-affiliated community.”

The fellows program is one of several initiatives of NVLF, which partners with American colleges and universities to improve ​the higher education experience for military-connected students. The NVLF strengthens veteran support offices, empowers students to serve as campus leaders and creates campus-to-career resources. KU joined the now 16-member National Alliance in early 2022.

“NVLF Fellows have a deep commitment to service and are dedicated to improving the higher education experience for the military-connected students on their campuses,” said James Miller, NVLF president and founder. “It is an honor to welcome Aurora as a Leadership Fellow and to offer support and assistance as they continue to impact others at the University of Kansas.”