Madison Reporter

Ryan Murphy, a Veterans Benefit Associate Manager at Madison College, is committed to assisting veterans in accessing their educational benefits. Having served in the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, Murphy brings his military experience to his role at the college.

Murphy shared insights into his military career and transition to civilian life. "I spent nearly seven years at 2nd Ranger Battalion, a U.S. Army special operations unit, and was deployed twice to Afghanistan and twice to Syria," he stated. He joined the military at 18 and later pursued higher education using his GI Bill benefits.

At Madison College, approximately 400-500 military-connected students enroll each academic year. The institution aims to provide these students with comprehensive resources for successful careers and lives.

Murphy discussed the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. "The biggest challenge is that transitional period of separating from military life and going into civilian life; it’s almost like a piece of your identity was taken away," he explained. He emphasized the importance of listening to student veterans and providing guidance based on shared experiences.

Regarding veterans' awareness of their education benefits, Murphy noted that some have a basic understanding but lack detailed knowledge during their transition. His department plays a crucial role in explaining eligibility and coverage details.

Murphy highlighted his management skills developed during his time as a section leader supervising 24 Rangers. He takes pride in solving problems and helping others succeed both individually and collectively.

One of Murphy's significant accomplishments at Madison College is spearheading tuition assistance for veterans, which had been unavailable for ten years. "My vision is to help our veteran students achieve success at Madison College," he said.

Veterans seeking more information can contact Madison College's Veteran Services through phone or email or visit their webpage.

Profiles from the Pack feature members of the Madison College community who contribute significantly to its vibrancy, offering Q&A profiles twice monthly.