Veterans Find Support and Success at EKU

More than 30 years after a life-changing injury in the U.S. Navy, Shawn Caudill is pursuing a new mission—studying political science at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Told his cognitive abilities would always be limited, Caudill, at 50 years old, overcame challenges to earn the EKU President’s Award with a 4.0 GPA for the spring semester. Caudill plans to continue his education beyond his bachelor’s and attend law school to advocate for veterans.

“With 12% of our student population being military-affiliated, we are committed to ensuring each student has the resources, community and support to succeed at EKU and beyond,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We honor the courage of our veterans by standing beside them every step of the way.”

Caudill enlisted in the Navy just months after his 17th birthday to follow in his father’s footsteps. For him, joining the Navy wasn’t just a choice—it was the path he felt destined to take. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida, where he said he learned the meaning of honor and sacrifice and discovered what it felt like to be part of something bigger than himself.

After a year of service, his life changed forever. A devastating incident left him with a traumatic brain injury, the effects of which still impact him. For decades, he lived under the shadow of that injury. He was ashamed to seek benefits and convinced he was not capable of academic or professional success. Years later, he finally claimed those benefits he had earned and decided to come to school through the VA vocational rehab program.

“I will live the rest of my life fighting on behalf of those who can’t fight for themselves,” said Caudill. “It will be hard, but I refuse to fail.”

Returning to college after decades felt daunting, but EKU quickly became home. Each assignment he completes reminds him that he can succeed and defy the doubts planted long ago.

At EKU, Caudill discovered a community that never let him face his future alone. His first semester was the hardest, but instead of giving up, he found support at every turn. Professors believed in him even when he doubted himself, and staff across campus helped guide him toward resources and opportunities. That kind of encouragement, he says, has been echoed again and again, from the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA), Center for Student Accessibility Office (CSA), Big E Central and others who made sure he stayed on track.

“I can’t imagine being anywhere else but here,” said Caudill. “I love this university and all it stands for.”

He urges every veteran to never give up on themselves. For him, perseverance means refusing to let others define your worth. He recognizes the road ahead will be long and difficult, but believes each challenge will strengthen him and make the journey worthwhile.

At EKU, Caudill is part of a community of 1,916 military-affiliated students, including 593 who are veterans or currently serve in the uniformed services. OMVA provides resources and support such as priority registration, reduced tuition for active-duty service members and their spouses, specialized advising and the on-campus EKU Veterans Education and Transition Support (VETS) Center.

Earning a reputation for excellence in veterans education, EKU is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Military Friendly® Spouse Schools, the only school in Kentucky on the top 10 list for Military Friendly® Schools and consistently ranked among “Best for Vets” by Military Times.

By Jake Hall