Taking student pastoral support up a notch will be the next step for Australian Catholic University's Tenille Duggan after her breakthrough recognition for Australian Defence Force service.
Reservist Tenille was among the first cohort of privates to receive the ADF's Prince of Wales Award.
The award recognises active reservists and their employers for the dedication and provides up to $10,000 as a launchpad that directly benefits the reservist and employer through further development and training.
Tenille, a student veteran services liaison at ACU's Brisbane campus, will use the award to attend the 2025 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Symposium on Military-Connected Students in Las Vegas.
There she will connect with peers and experts to explore evidence-based practices for supporting military-connected students in higher education.
"I like finding ways to serve veterans in a more holistic way," Tenille said.
"It can be a tough slog keeping up with study while you're busy with work, family and just keeping a roof over your head.
"Keeping them engaged with uni is a challenge but the more engaged they are, the better it is for their mental health."
Tenille is a fourth-generation soldier with 17 years of reserve service as a movements coordinator in the Royal Australia Corps of Transport.
She commenced her studies at ACU in nursing and is now working towards a business degree.
The mother of four has also found a home within ACU's Student Veteran Services team who provide support for the university's growing number of current and ex-serving ADF members.
Recognising the multiple challenges that veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, Student Veteran Services administer specialised programs and resources including the direct entry pathway Veteran Entry Program and the Veteran Transition Program that helps prepare service members for the academic demands of higher education.
