Charlie Foster

Background

Charlie Foster, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and William & Mary graduate, has been selected as William & Mary’s inaugural director of the Office of Student Veteran Engagement. Foster most recently served as Veteran Liaison for the Troops to Teachers Virginia Center, while also serving as Co-chair for William & Mary’s Military and Veteran Affairs Working Group.

Foster earned his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary, focusing on student veterans’ transition from the military into higher education. His master’s thesis examined the history of military members stationed at William & Mary during World War II, as well as veterans who attended immediately after the war.

Foster enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after September 11^th, 2001, serving as a Combat Correspondent. He went through the transition to higher education himself when he separated from the military and attended Berea College to study English.

In the new role, Foster will lead the effort to position W&M as a leader in military and veteran education. As an advisor to students, Foster will connect veterans with comprehensive campus resources, including help with applications, GI bill benefits, transferability of courses and other support services, and assistance with internships and employment opportunities. Foster will work with colleagues to identify and coordinate opportunities across all schools and programs, work to expand active-duty military and veteran enrollment, and seek external support for those and other university veteran initiatives. Foster will coordinate the activities of an Advisory Council, including student, faculty, staff and alumni members, and work with them to develop innovative approaches to helping student veterans.