By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
The university is shining on the national stage thanks to one of its very own Owls.
Britt Conroy, the university’s coordinator of Veteran, Military and Adult Learning Support, has achieved national recognition by earning the title of 2025 National Veteran of the year for the Air Force after recently being honored as Connecticut’s Veteran of the Year for Higher Education.
“I feel a lot of pride, and I’m really excited to win that for Southern,” Conroy said. “I think that’s a cool thing to be able to say for the university.”
For Conroy, the award serves as a badge of honor not only for her service but for the community that uplifts her. She credits her colleague, Lisa Galvin, the associate dean of graduate enrollment management, for nominating her and believes the recognition reflects the supportive culture at the university.
“The reason that I was able to be nominated for these awards is because of the work that I do here,” Conroy said. “I think that just kind of speaks to the way that we all support each other here at Southern — like my colleague put me up for this award.”
That same sense of support was used to help her win, as Conroy said she received many of her votes through support from her wife, faculty and students. Through social media posts, her supporters helped spread the word about her nominations and rallied votes for her.
“A lot of the Southern community helped get it out and get me a lot of votes. I just really feel a lot of love from Southern, for sure,” Conroy said.
Conroy said her unwavering commitment to serving others is what continues to guide her to dedicate her time to supporting those who have marched similar paths.
“When you’re transitioning out of the military, it can be hard, and so I’m glad that I’m able to be there to help out however I can, and just allow our veterans to make the most of their benefits, get through their education and go on to the next thing that they’ve got,” Conroy said.
Conroy explained that the community she serves is diverse, including veterans, active and reserve members and their families.
Conroy’s dedication to service extends well beyond the university’s campus. She remains active in veteran organizations and community projects across New Haven, as she serves as a member on the Mayor’s Veterans Affairs Committee and is the chaplain for the New Haven American Legion Post.
Through those organizations, Conroy helps coordinate annual events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, along with cleanup efforts at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Long Wharf, New Haven. Conroy’s commitment to helping veterans is deeply rooted in her own experience in uniform.
“I was active duty for just shy of seven years,” Conroy said. “It was like six years, 10 months and a couple of days. I was a diagnostic imaging technologist, so I did X-ray and CT scans, and those were my two primary duties.”
During her active duty from 2003 to 2010, Conroy also took on additional responsibilities, including instructor, supply and equipment custodian and physical training leader.
Most of her service took place at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, now known as Joint Base Andrews, where Conroy enjoyed the opportunity to explore the Washington, D.C. area and gain valuable experiences.
Reflecting on her years in uniform, Conroy said her time in the Air Force continues to shape who she is today.
“It’s something I’m still very proud of,” Conroy said. “It’s a big part of my life. Obviously, I still serve our veteran and military-connected students.”
Conroy said that her service is an undeniable part of her identity. “I think it’s always a part of you,” Conroy said.
She emphasized that her military experience inspired her to keep learning about veteran affairs services and other resources to better support the students she works with.
“I’m proud of it. I’m happy that I had the ability to serve,” Conroy said. “The friendships that I made and the things that I learned, it’s just part of who I am.”
As Veterans Day approaches, Conroy said students and faculty can expect a lineup of events to celebrate those who have served.
