June 27, 2023

Drexel University has long been considered a top choice for military-connected students, and we are proud of our nearly 600 student-veterans, active-duty, reservists, and military dependents who have decided to make Drexel their home. Drexel is also proud to be a Yellow Ribbon school, providing full tuition and covering University fees to an unlimited number of eligible veterans or designated transferees for all of our academic programs.

This month, we are highlighting one of our outstanding student veterans pursuing her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree at Drexel!

Meet Savannah Patrick! Savannah is pursuing an EdD in educational leadership and management with a concentration in sports leadership. Savannah served in the United States Air Force for eleven years. She was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and Lakenheath, United Kingdom. While serving, Savannah noted that "the Air Force made access to higher education easy." As an active-duty member, she was able to use her Tuition Assistance (TA) to pay for courses while she was with the Air Force instead of using her GI Bill after she finished serving. Savannah received her master’s degree in human relations but found she had a passion for higher education. Her husband encouraged her to follow her passion and pursue an EdD. Savannah chose Drexel because of the three-year accelerated online EdD program which provided her flexibility as well as a rigorous course load. Besides the accelerated program, she was also drawn to Drexel because of the distinguished faculty within the program.

Savannah's research explores the transitional needs of student veterans and defining what elements of the transition assistance program (TAP) are missing for transitioning Air Force enlisted members, and how they can effectively be able to further their education using their allotted benefits while focusing on the perceptions of enlisted air force members leaving the military.

When asked about advice she had for EdD and doctoral students in their early stages, Savannah said "to cling onto a student who is about to complete their EdD or someone who has recently completed the program. It is nice to obtain the perspective of someone who has gone through what you are currently going through. It is an emotional roller coaster, but worth it in the end!"

Savannah is thankful for Dr. Rebecca Weidsensaul, the faculty advisor for the Drexel Veterans Association (DVA). She said, "Dr. Weidensaul always made time to provide advice, whether about the DVA or professional growth!" Savannah is also grateful for her EdD cohort and for the diverse support network of EdD students she leaned on to "battle through the program together." Finally, Savannah acknowledges her friends and family who cheer her on.

Savannah currently works as the regional director of admissions at the United States Naval Academy. Congratulations Savannah and thank you for your service!

Learn more about Drexel's military and veteran services.