Dr. Marcus S. Cox, Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Center for Continuing Studies, has been instrumental in working with Xavier’s military students since 2016. He is a historian who studies the African American military experience and published over two dozen book chapters, articles and reviews and a book titled “Segregated Soldiers: Military Training at Historically Black Colleges in the Jim Crow South.”

Military students are students attending the university while also currently serving in the Army, Navy, National Guard, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force. Military and veteran students make up a very small percentage of the student population at most universities, and as a result, this critical but small group can be overlooked. These students take on the same challenges as any other student, in addition to having responsibilities related to serving our country. 

In his role at Xavier, Dr. Cox ensures that Xavier’s military students receive the best level of care and assistance needed to excel and succeed at the university. 

“In my conversations with President Verret, he made it clear to me that we needed a larger footprint in the military community in New Orleans. I was very surprised that no university catered to them. We saw an opportunity there,” said Dr. Cox.  

Guiding military and veteran students for 15 years at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Dr. Cox has seen several of his students achieve the rank of Colonel, Major and Lieutenant. One of his students is currently an advisor in the White House. Ms. Yiraliz “Liz” Beltran, the program manager at the Center for Continuing Studies & Distance Education at Xavier, has been working with Dr. Cox since his time at The Citadel. When he invited her to join him at Xavier five years ago, she accepted. Since then, their work has created a positive reputation for Xavier in the military community.

“One of the things that I’m really proud of is the Military Appreciation Luncheon that we started. It’s already the largest in the city. We had more than 200 people attend before we had to shut down due to the pandemic, and we were so happy to be able to spread that awareness,” said Ms. Beltran. 

Liz’s passion for assisting military students comes from her own family’s history with the military. She has first-hand experience of the kind of sacrifices required to serve our country while also fulfilling personal goals and obligations. She is drawn to the family-like environment and support the military provides. 

“The military is truly a family, and that’s why I’m drawn to this. The community is so unified and it’s rewarding to see my students complete their programs and become officers,” said Ms. Beltran.

Both Ms. Beltran and Dr. Cox engage one-on-one with ROTC students, active duty military personnel and veteran students frequently. They also work with ROTC to recruit students. Dr. Cox spends time mentoring, guiding and making the connections while Liz works with students to secure funding and scholarships while also facilitating the overall admissions process. 

“We usually host annual welcome events and invite the community to gather to discuss the services we provide. We are trying to spread awareness and let our students know that we are ready to help and support them in whatever way we can. We want to encourage students to reach out for support and assistance,” said Dr. Cox. 

Dr. Cox has a particular respect for the military and the opportunities it can provide to minorities. After serving in the military, students gain access to an extensive network as well a fully paid education and other supportive resources. 

“As an African American historian focused on African American history in the military, I have witnessed how the military change lives- particularly minorities’ lives in so many ways,” said Dr. Cox. “I tell my students, ‘If you’re going to go to college, let someone else pay for it.’ For a few years of service, the military will fund your medical degree or your law degree. It's unlikely that you’d see any active combat and when you’re done with your service you can be a practicing physician and you didn’t spend anything.”

Dr. Cox and Ms. Beltran are able to remain diligent because they are committed to their students’ success. They are often invited to commissioning ceremonies and graduation ceremonies to watch their students celebrate their accomplishments. 

“My goal is to see my students graduate. When we are invited to the commissioning ceremonies, and see them graduate and become military officers, there’s nothing more fulfilling. Seeing someone else’s success and knowing I contributed in some small way is an amazing thing. I call them my kids and I always keep in touch with them. Some of them have gone on to do great things already,” said Dr. Cox. 

The duo is ready for new challenges ahead. They have plans to grow the annual XULA-sponsored military luncheon, provide more scholarship opportunities and plan more events to raise awareness about their services on Xavier’s campus. 

“There’s much more left to do. I want to honor those Xavierites who have served during our commencement ceremony. I think it’s important because these students are committed to serving our country,” said Dr. Cox. “We are going to really begin promoting military scholarships and sharing activities on campus. Our goal is to do an even better job of capturing those students to bring them to Xavier. We are focused on serving the needs of the military at Xavier and I’m proud of the reputation we are developing.” 

If you are a military student seeking support, or if you are a student looking for more information about scholarships or regarding military service, please contact Dr. Marcus Cox at mcox1@xula.edu or Yiraliz Beltran at ybeltran@xula.edu.