VMS Peer Advising
Image
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.
Your 2025-2026 VMS Peer Advisors
Bryan Dixon - Peer Advisor Lead
I'm a full-time MBA student at the Ross School of Business. I served in the U.S. Army for about 10 years, most recently as an engineer officer in the 101st Airborne Division. I'll be working in corporate strategy at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and play sports like hockey, golf, and pickleball. My favorite things about U-M are the fun sports culture and welcoming community.
Peyton Dull - Peer Advisor
Hello! My name is Peyton Dull and I’m a junior studying aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering. Both of my parents are retired Air Force, and my older brother is currently serving on active duty. After graduation, I hope to work in industry, ideally in aircraft maintenance or any hands-on role.
Growing up as a military brat, I moved around a lot, which definitely came with its challenges, but it also taught me how to adapt, make connections, and see different perspectives. That experience is a big part of why I’m so excited to be an advisor and help out wherever I can. Whether you need help with a degree requirement or just want recommendations for the best study spot on campus, I’m happy to lend a hand and make your own transition into Michigan life a little smoother.
Outside of class, I’m happiest when I’m moving, whether that's snowboarding, golfing, going on runs, or lifting at the gym, and spending time with friends. My favorite thing about Michigan is easily football. Being on campus when we won the national championship is a memory I’ll carry forever. I highly encourage you to get to as many games as you can – there’s nothing like the Big House on a Saturday!
I’m looking forward to meeting you and helping however I can!
Mackenzie Gladney - Peer Advisor
Hello! My name is Mackenzie Gladney. I'm a junior studying communications and media, and I’m the dependent of a disabled veteran. My dad served in the 82nd Airborne with the 3-504 Infantry. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, Camp Greaves, Fort Ord, and Fort Sill. Starting college was no easy task, but Veteran and Military Services (VMS) was there to help me along the way. VMS was always one call away and happy to speak with not only me but my parents as well. During my second year as a VMS peer advisor, I’m excited to help incoming students transition into university life socially and academically. In my free time, I enjoy cheerleading, swimming, and watching movies. I’m also a big fan of anything Michigan related, and I attend sporting events year-round!
Jade Howard - Peer Advisor
Hi! My name is Jade Howard, and I come from a military family. My dad is active-duty military in the Air Force, and I have been a military kid my whole life. I am currently studying biology, health, and society through the College of Literature, Science, and Arts here at Michigan. I am on a premed track and I hope that after college I will go into medicine and health care advocacy. In my free time, I love to go on quests with my friend, get in a good workout, and take care of my plants. My favorite things about U-M are game days and the fun traditions like snowball fights in the Diag!
Keean McCartin - Peer Advisor
Hello! My name is Keean, and I’m a junior majoring in movement science. I served as a communication security repairer for the Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After graduating, I hope to continue my education and enter medical school. In my free time, I enjoy practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing guitar, and watching movies. My favorite thing about U-M is the stunning architecture of the old buildings and the incredible art museum.
Niko Legner - Peer Advisor
Howdy! My name is Niko Legner and I am currently a junior 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!
Feel free to reach out to [email protected].
William Peterson-Kirkland - Peer Advisor
I am a soldier in the Michigan Army National Guard, and I was on active duty in the XVIII Airborne Corps on Fort Bragg for four years. I am majoring in architecture, and I plan to pursue a career in the field, working towards my license and graduate school. I do Muay Thai when I have the chance, and when I get some free time, I draw, read, and build things. My favorite thing about U-M is the people. There are so many interesting and bright people here. It's great that I find myself having interesting conversations with some of the brightest minds working on incredible things.
Amerie Sayre - Peer Advisor
All four of my parents, my uncle, my aunt, my grandparents, and my great grandfather all served in the military. My stepdad is still active, but the rest of my family is retired. Everyone but my family is in the Air Force, aside from my step mom, who was in the Navy. I am currently an English major with a double major in Asian American and Pacific Islander studies and African American studies. After graduation I hope to work in publishing as a developmental book editor. (I want to spend the rest of my life reading and correcting people.) In my free time I enjoy reading, binge watching TV, and learning cultural dances. My favorite thing about U-M is the Filipino American Student Association and Alpha Phi Omega, my philanthropy fraternity. U-M has provided me with community in ways I never thought possible before coming here!