Ken O'Connell Director of Military Community Enrollment and Resources

Ken O’Connell

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Education
B.S. Elementary Education

Favorite Restaurant Recommendation for Your Campus Visit
Mark BBQ in Essex Junction is an awesome authentic BBQ with a great story of keeping tradition alive. It’s a veteran owned local business with a mission supporting the community that supports them.

Favorite Local Employer for SMC Internships
Senator Leahy’s Office has always been open to hearing from our military connected students and most recently took on one of our student veterans as an intern. This student is continuing his studies in international relations in Sydney, Australia.

Favorite Campus Traditions

Celebrating the Marine Corps birthday with Fr. Ray and Veterans Day events planned by our Student Veterans Association.

Staff and faculty community service day.

Favorite Ways to Get Involved on Campus

Our Student Veterans Association (SVA) is an incredible support and network for all students looking to bring forward awareness and camaraderie of our military connected community at SMC.

Working on the SMC Farm breathing in the fresh air and digging your hands into the soil, while also getting the satisfaction of promoting food security for our community.

Getting outdoors and engaging with our local partners Vermont Adaptive Sports and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (Brother Frank ties the best flies along with sharing incredible knowledge of the sport).

What I love Most About Vermont
I am a Vermonter. I love the snow and chill that enhances our natural playgrounds, the small communities found in pockets of Vermont that are vibrant with arts and culture, and the people.

Discuss a Moment When You Have Done Well or Done Good
Taking on the charge to design and build our Saint Michael’s College Military Community Services Department. Our Alumni and Trustees thought it important to support our military connected students on campus and to represent SMC as a supportive environment for veterans and those looking to better themselves and their communities through higher education and service. I’ve created strong ties with our local VA, CBOC, and Vet Center to assist with benefits and the needs of veterans and their families. I’m proud of the program my colleagues, students and I have developed and continue to adapt and grow to the changing needs of our military connected community.

Recent News

Ken O’Connell, the College’s director of military community enrollment and resources, accompanied three military-affiliated Saint Michael’s students in attending the 15th Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference in Florida from January 5 to January 7.
(posted February 2023)