Waynesburg University has been chosen to host a fellow as part of the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. The fellowship, sponsored by the United States Chamber of Commerce, will begin Jan. 13 for Master Sergeant (MSG) Jeffrey Ladisic, director of the Office of Military Families and Veterans.
“We are thrilled that MSG Ladisic chose Waynesburg as the host site for his fellowship,” said Dr. Shari Payne, vice president for enrollment. “With his talent and experience, he is the right person to help create a center at Waynesburg University for veteran students and their families. We feel strongly that the values of our service men and women align closely with our own mission of faith, learning and serving.”
During his fellowship, MSG Ladisic will create an office at Waynesburg that will specialize in assisting, recruiting and retaining veterans, active duty and reserve service members and their dependents.
“The intent will be for this office to serve as a one-stop-shop for anyone using military benefits, as well as [to be] an advocate for any Waynesburg University veteran student that needs a helping hand or ear,” said Ladisic. “I feel very blessed to be hosted by Waynesburg University, and I am anxious to get to work helping students,” said Ladisic.
MSG Ladisic will seek grant funding from a variety of sources to help establish a center that will accomplish these goals. He will also be trained to assist the Office of Admissions with veterans who seek out educational opportunities at the University.
“Our goal is for MSG Ladisic to create a center that is sustainable after the end of his fellowship,” added Payne.
MSG Ladisic is currently the senior program manager and senior military science instructor for the West Virginia University Army ROTC Program, which includes the Waynesburg University ROTC Program.
Over the past 18 months, he has grown the Waynesburg program by 250%.
In the Army, he has served as a Cavalry Scout for 20 years and has been deployed to Afghanistan (82nd Airborne Division) and Iraq (1st Infantry Division). He has served in every leadership position available to a Cavalry Non-Commissioned Officer. He will retire as a First Sergeant in the spring of 2020.
MSG Ladisic’s top honors include the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two times), Army Commendation Medal (seven times), Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal and the Army Achievement Medal (three times).
He received his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and his Master Resiliency Training certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.
“I would like to thank President Lee and Dr. Payne for this opportunity,” he added.
The Corporate Fellowship Program is an innovative program that provides transitioning service members with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce, ultimately preparing candidates for a smooth transition into meaningful civilian careers.
The nationwide fellowship offers a 12-week syllabus that is presented three times a year in 15 to 30 member cohorts. Fellowship candidates are carefully matched with participating companies based on the specific skills of the candidate and preferences of both parties.
In addition to the real-world experience, each candidate attends a weekly educational session, held in a classroom setting.
To learn more, contact Ladisic at jladisic@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3423.
