IVMF at SU appoints VMI professor as senior fellow

SYRACUSE  —  The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University has added a senior fellow who is a professor of English and fine arts at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

The IVMF appointed Roger Thompson as a senior fellow, which will give him the chance to perform research and develop research briefs on social, economic, public-policy, and wellness issues affecting veterans and military families. He will also be able to present his research at symposiums and contribute to the IVMF’s “Voices” blog.

Thompson, who lives in Lexington, Va., co-authored the 2009 memoir “Beyond Duty: Life on the Frontline in Iraq” with IVMF communications specialist Shannon P. Meehan, who is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Thompson is currently working on an introduction to veterans studies.

His expertise includes writing and trauma, veteran transition to higher education, veteran centers, interdisciplinary approaches to veterans’ studies, and the literature of war. He directs a cross-disciplinary research and writing program at VMI, attempting to bridge the gap between military training and workplace experience.

“We are thrilled to have Roger join our esteemed cadre of IVMF fellows, to focus his considerable knowledge and expertise toward addressing the challenges faced by America’s veterans and military families,” Mike Haynie, IVMF executive director and founder, said in a news release. “A central component of the IVMF’s research mission is to inform national dialogue focused on policy, social, and economic concerns facing veterans and military families. Over the past year, we have been working to conduct a strategic analysis of these issues and challenges, to include a review of existing policy, programs, and academic research. As an IVMF senior fellow, Roger will have a voice in this ongoing effort.”

Contact Seltzer at rseltzer@cnybj.com