During the month of November, the Office for Equity and Accessibility team is encouraging all protected veterans to self-identify through Hokie Team or their own human resources office. Self-identification allows Virginia Tech to recognize and support our veterans and supports strategic efforts to create and maintain diversity within faculty and staff. As part of this effort, we are highlighting some of our veterans who proudly served.

Ron Fricker, a U.S. Navy veteran, vice provost for faculty affairs, and professor of statistics, talked about his military experience and how it has helped him in his career, the best part of working at Virginia Tech, what he hoped employers would understand about veterans, and more.

How did your service prepare you for your role at Virginia Tech? 

My time in the Navy taught me valuable lessons about personal discipline and hard work that have been essential in my role as vice provost for faculty affairs. In the Navy, I learned the importance of being reliable and consistent — showing up ready to work each day, no matter the challenges. That discipline has carried over into my current work, where staying organized and committed is crucial, especially when supporting faculty development and navigating complex institutional responsibilities. The Navy also instilled in me a work ethic that prioritizes collaboration and dedication, qualities that I believe are vital to leadership in higher education.

What skill or talent did you master in the military that you still use today? 

One of the key skills I developed in the military is leadership.  But I would say that leadership is something you're always learning and refining — it’s not something you ever fully “master.” In the Navy, I learned to lead through clear communication, decisiveness, and understanding the needs of the team. Interestingly, while the context of leadership in academia is different, many of the principles remain the same. Both environments require listening, building trust, and making informed decisions. The big difference is in the structure. In the military, leadership often involves clear chains of command and quick decision-making, whereas in academia, leadership tends to be more collaborative with a lot of emphasis on shared governance. But in both, the core responsibility is to support and guide people to achieve their best work.

If you could narrow it down to one thing, what do you wish employers understood about veterans? 

I wish employers understood that veterans bring a unique blend of adaptability and commitment. In the military, one is trained to handle rapidly changing situations while staying focused on the mission and that ability to pivot and remain dedicated transfers directly to the civilian workforce. Veterans often have a mindset of perseverance and teamwork, which can be incredibly valuable in any organization. It's not just about following orders; it's about seeing the bigger picture, working through challenges, and doing so with a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

What was your favorite experience in the military? 

One of my favorite experiences in the Navy was being the officer of the deck during the mid-watch, from midnight until 4 a.m. There’s a unique peacefulness to those hours when you're out at sea, driving the ship. The ocean is calm, the crew is mostly quiet, and the sky is absolutely stunning. With no light pollution, the stars stretch out endlessly above you, and it's one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever seen. In those moments, there's a deep sense of solitude and connection to nature as well as the responsibility of guiding the ship and ensuring the crew’s safety. It’s a time to reflect, appreciate the beauty of the world, and focus on the task at hand. It also required regular infusions of coffee to stay alert.

What has been the best part of working at Virginia Tech? 

The best part of working at Virginia Tech is the people. There's a deep sense of collegiality here, where faculty, staff, and students genuinely support one another in achieving both individual and collective goals. It’s a university that values collaboration, and that spirit is reflected in everything we do — from research to teaching to community engagement. The university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), truly defines the culture, as everyone is committed to making a meaningful difference, whether it’s through advancing knowledge, mentoring students, or serving the broader community. That shared sense of purpose, combined with the welcoming and supportive environment, makes Virginia Tech a truly special place.

How is your professional civilian experience different from your professional military experience? 

While on the surface the military and academia might seem very different, there are actually more similarities than one might expect. In both settings, there is a strong sense of dedication and loyalty to the mission. In the military, it's about serving and protecting, while in academia, it's about advancing knowledge, supporting students, and fulfilling the university’s mission. In both environments, people work hard to achieve common goals, and there’s a deep commitment to doing work that matters.

Ultimately, it's a privilege to serve — whether it’s serving the country and upholding the constitution in the military or serving society by supporting faculty and students in the university. In both cases, there’s a profound responsibility to contribute to something greater than yourself, and that shared sense of purpose is what makes the work so rewarding.

Resources for veterans

For protected veterans who want to update their status, contact your human resources representative or utilize the self-service link on the Hokie Team Access Menu.

For any veterans in need of assistance or community, the Virginia Tech Veterans Caucus is one of 10 faculty/staff caucuses representing differing communities at the university. The purpose of the Veterans Caucus is to improve the working, learning, and living environment for employee and student veterans; advocate for the mentoring of, and transitional support for veterans returning to work and/or school, and recommend actions to improve the recruitment and retention of employee and student veterans. If you are interested in learning more, contact Virginia Tech Veterans Caucus at vtvc07@gmail.com.

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