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Gretchen Evans

Meet a Student


Gretchen Evans

 Saginaw Valley State University

Area of Study
Sociology/Psychology

Military Service
Army, Counterintelligence Agent 1976-2006

To what degree does the GI Bill cover your school expenses?
The GI Bill covers all of my tuition expenses and provides a stipend for attending college. SVSU has a wonderful military representative that will help students discover what is available to them.

What prompted you to return to school?
I seek a second career that requires a specific bachelor’s degree.  With the benefits offered to me through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Chapter 31, I found a university that was supportive of military members and enrolled.  My desire is to use my education to aid veterans’ transition back into civilian life.

Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student?
The military provided me with confidence and adaptability.  The work ethic that the military instills really helps with establishing positive study habits and educational goals.  Further, the experience of living all over the world gives me a unique lens with which to view my studies and contribute to the SVSU community.

What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?
As a military member, I am very good at managing my time with work and personal goals. Being older, and with different experiences than most students,  I found I needed to be patient with myself and take time to adjust to this new academic environment.

Additional Comments
Saginaw Valley State University actively fosters a community that supports and enriches military students, their spouses and families.  There is a sense of patriotism fostered at the school and I feel that any military student would feel welcomed on the campus, in the classroom and as a Cardinal.