VMS Peer Advising
Veteran and Military Services (VMS) peer advisors are trained current students who have also served. These peer advisors are paired with incoming veteran and military students to help them find their way around the university, identifying resources both on and off campus. And because our peer advisors understand the military experience, they can help identify and assist in challenges these new students face and provide ongoing support as they adjust to the university.
Applications for the fall 2026 semester are now closed.
I'm a full-time MBA student at the Ross School of Business. I served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years as a helicopter pilot. I'll be working in corporate strategy at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and ride my bike, golf, or take my son to the park. My favorite things about U-M are the fun sports culture and welcoming community.
Howdy! My name is Niko Legner and I am currently a senior studying political science! I served in the United States Marine Corps as a section leader in a CAAT Platoon in 2/1 at Camp Pendleton, California. I deployed three times over the course of my enlistment and got out in 2020. After my discharge, I earned an associates degree in history and political science in 2023.
While pursuing my education after the Marines, I've taken multiple periods off in order to travel internationally and domestically. After I complete my bachelors at U-M, I hope to attend law school. My goal as a VMS peer advisor is to help the transition for veterans who have either just gotten out or even taken some time off before pursuing higher education. There's so many resources to take advantage of that finding the right one can be daunting.
In my free time I like to workout, hike, and go to concerts. During breaks I love to travel to new places. I also love a good book, TV show, or movie to dive into!
Hi My name is John Wayne, and I am a political science student at the University of Michigan. I serve in the Michigan Army National Guard and am an Army ROTC cadet, with plans to commission as an officer after graduation. Outside of school and military service, I have worked in the construction industry and enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Hi my name is Giovanni, and I am a sophomore majoring in business. I serve in the Air National Guard as a medical logistician and drill out of Selfridge ANG. Aside from school and military, I like to run, lift, and hang with friends. After college I hope to get into a finance or sales path. I love U-M because of the vast amount of opportunities available for almost every person.
Hi, my name is Amerie Sayre, and I come from a big multigenerational military family! My dad is still active in the Air Force, but my other three parents are retired. I am an English major with a double minor in African American and Asian American & Pacific Islander studies. I’m a senior and hoping to work in book publishing after graduation. I moved around a lot being a military brat, so I’m looking forward to staying in one place. Outside of school and work I enjoy learning Filipino cultural dance, reading, volunteer work, and rewatching all my favorite shows. My favorite thing about U-M is that there is a community for everyone, and as a peer mentor I hope to help all my mentees find theirs!
Hi everyone! My name is Ashley Murphy, and I grew up a Navy brat. As a young kid, my family and I moved around often, but when I got older my family settled down in Rhode Island. I am currently a sophomore studying economics in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts here at U-M, but I am still not totally sure what my major will be. In my free time, I spend a lot of time with my friends, participating in clubs and organizations on campus, and I am also a part of the Army ROTC program. I’m super excited for this year and to meet everyone. Go Blue!
Hello! My name is Ashley Waite. I am a senior studying sociology with a sub-major in social work! I grew up in southwest Michigan on a farm, and my dad is a Marine veteran. My connection to the military community has given me a strong appreciation for the experiences and challenges that veterans, military-connected students, and their families face.
As a VMS peer advisor, I’m excited to support and connect with other military-connected students as they navigate college life. I hope to be a welcoming resource for students and help them feel more comfortable and connected within the University of Michigan community. Outside of school and VMS, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Ann Arbor's restaurant scene, and attending football games. Go Blue!
My name is Reagan Nickerson, I'm a sophomore nursing student here at U-M and a military dependent! Both of my parents served in the Navy, which inspired me to join NROTC. As I am on track to become a Navy nurse upon graduation, I have many connections to military resources. VMS really helped me in my first year to get connected with my community and understand the support system available to me. When I'm not studying hard, I love to run, bake, and drink coffee. I hope you will love U-M as much as I do, Go Blue!