In recognition of Veterans Day, Nevada State University honors the veterans in our campus community. Meet a few of our student veterans as they share how their experiences have shaped their educational journeys and how they have found support at Nevada State.
Oscar Segovia
Oscar Segovia is a veteran and speech-language pathology student who has found a supportive campus community that values different backgrounds and experiences.
“My favorite part of being a student at Nevada State is getting to see how our diverse campus and community uplifts and supports one another — we all come from different walks of life and bring perspectives and life experiences to our campus,” Oscar said.
For veterans considering returning to school, Oscar offers encouragement drawn from his own experience.
“Remember that support is available every step of the way. The transition is not easy for most and you may feel yourself become discouraged along the way (I know I have), yet each time I’ve encountered hardship, I’ve also similarly seen the vast efforts and considerations from staff, peers, and other support systems in remaining committed to seeing and promoting our successful outcomes!”
Shannon Bass-Croegaert
Shannon Bass-Croegaert served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist mate first class petty officer with a Surface Warfare
designation. Shannon worked as a nuclear mechanic for the nuclear reactor power plant and an engine room supervisor.
Now pursuing a master’s in nurse leadership at Nevada State, Shannon returned to school after 20 years.
“I remember feeling unsure of myself and my goals when I separated,” Shannon said.
At Nevada State, connecting with other veterans has provided a valuable sense of community.
“The camaraderie from fellow veterans in the Scorpion’s Veterans Club is invaluable,” Shannon said.
Shannon credits military experience with strengthening time management skills and the commitment to earn strong grades. For veterans considering returning to school, Shannon’s advice is direct: “JUST DO IT!”
Nakita Oppenhammer
Army veteran Nakita Oppenhammer is studying business administration with a concentration in diversity and human resource management at Nevada State.
After applying, a meeting with Fran, the university’s veteran coordinator, helped Nakita feel confident about choosing Nevada State.
“I knew I was in the right place,” Nakita said. “I have encountered nothing but professionalism, kindness and motivation from students and faculty.”
Nakita credits understanding faculty, passionate instructors and encouragement from fellow veterans with creating a strong foundation for academic achievement. That support has helped Nakita connect military experience with coursework and long-term goals.
For veterans considering returning to school, Nakita encourages them to stay focused on their goals while taking the journey one day and one assignment at a time.
Gabriel Mathews
U.S. Air Force veteran Gabriel Mathews served as a cyber readiness supervisor and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science with a minor in mathematics at Nevada State. An interest in the connections between statistics and computer graphics has inspired Gabriel to pursue a career as a graphics programmer after graduation.
The transition to college has been gradual, but friendships at Nevada State have helped Gabriel find a sense of connection and direction.
“All of the friends I’ve made really helped me remember who I am and what I enjoy in life,” Gabriel said.
Gabriel credits professors across art, mathematics, physics and data science with providing understanding and guidance through difficult problems. Diversity and resilience have also helped Gabriel navigate challenges along the way.
For veterans considering returning to school, Gabriel sees college as an opportunity to explore new possibilities.
“College is a great way to realign your personal compass,” Gabriel said.
Dianne Ingram
Army veteran Dianne Ingram is studying criminal justice at Nevada State and hopes to become a youth probation officer after graduation. The university’s smaller campus and inviting community drew Dianne to Nevada State.
Support from faculty has helped make that experience meaningful. Dianne recalls taking an in-person class with Professor Frossard after several online courses with him and being recognized right away.
“He’s a phenomenal professor online, but even better in person,” Dianne said.
Dianne credits Frossard’s willingness to help, encouragement to do better and memorable sense of humor with making a difference.
Military service also shaped Dianne’s approach to education, reinforcing the value of learning from others.
“My military experience has taught me that you never stop learning no matter what your expertise is,” Dianne said.
For veterans considering returning to school, Dianne encourages them to bring the same discipline and dedication they demonstrated in the military to their college experience.
Frazier Medlen
Army infantry veteran Frazier Medlen is studying psychology with a focus on clinical and mental health and a minor in counseling at Nevada State. Frazier plans to pursue further education after graduation, with the goal of opening a practice in Henderson.
After relocating to Henderson with his wife, Frazier decided to pursue the degree he had put off.
“As a first-generation college student with a GED, starting at Nevada State felt like a second chance to build a career focused on helping others,” Frazier said.
Transitioning from the structure of military life to the independence of college meant learning to set goals, manage time and ask for help. Helping reestablish the Scorpion Vets club brought a sense of connection.
“Seeing other student veterans and military-connected students come together gave me a place where my service was understood without having to explain it,” Frazier said.
Serving as the club’s treasurer and collaborating on events and advocacy have helped Frazier apply the teamwork learned in the infantry to campus life. Military service also strengthened the discipline and accountability that guide Frazier’s studies and commitment to helping others.
For fellow veterans considering their next chapter, Frazier offers encouragement.
“The discipline, resilience, and perspective you gained do not end when you take off the uniform,” Frazier said. “And know that it is never too late to build a new purpose.”