KINGSTON, R.I. – August 15, 2023 – Tracy Santos ’24, a Marine Corps veteran and current National Guardsman, has been selected for a Student Veteran Leadership Award by GI Jobs Magazine. Santos is one of 32 future leaders from across the nation to be recognized.

Originally from the Bronx, New York, Santos, who is majoring in clinical neuroscience, has already distinguished herself as a leader. In January, she was one of 10 nominees to be selected as a finalist for Student Veteran of the Year by the Student Veterans of America.

Santos also served as president of URI’s Student Veterans Organization. Recognizing that for many student veterans, the transition to life as a college student can be complicated—and sometimes isolating, Santos’ goal as president was to create a supportive community, bring people together and help bridge the gap between traditional students and the group. Under her leadership, the organization worked to build up URI’s student veteran population – so too help them understand they are an asset in the classroom and their life experiences are important and bring value.

According to Bob Flynn, director of URI’s Military and Veteran Education Center, “As president of the SVO, Tracy coordinated with multiple student organizations across campus and has been a tireless advocate and community builder for military-connected students as well as the entirety of the URI enterprise. It’s something she continues to this day.”

Currently on deployment with the National Guard, Santos intends to devote her civilian career to veterans’ mental health.

“Transitioning from military to civilian life is very difficult to do and some of us do not survive that adjustment, primarily due to a lack of safe spaces to adjust, proper support, and understanding during that adjustment,” she said.

“As I reflect on my transition, I often think of the confusion and loneliness I experienced and at that moment wanted to become a beacon of support and community for military connected students, be a guide through the emotions that can easily overcome us. There has been nothing more rewarding than watching veterans not only successfully transition but thrive in their new experience.”