Veteran Q&A: Gloria Hartley remains committed to 'the fair treatment of all'
Gloria Hartley, a U.S. Navy veteran and civil rights compliance coordinator for human resources in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, took away valuable lessons from military service that she still uses today, especially collaboration and collectiveness.
During the month of November, the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education is encouraging all protected veterans to self-identify through Hokie Team or their servicing HR office. Self-identification allows Virginia Tech to recognize and support our veterans. As part of this effort, we are highlighting four veterans who proudly served.
Hartley talks about her military experience and how it has helped her career, the best part of working at Virginia Tech, what she hopes employers understand about veterans, and more.
How did your service prepare you for your role at Virginia Tech?
My commitment to “excellence and the fair treatment of all” as a sailor drives my work in civil rights.
What skill or talent did you master in the military that you still use today?
Collaboration and connectiveness are key to being successful when serving in the military, and I continue sharpening those skills at Virginia Tech.
If you could narrow it down to one thing, what do you wish employers understood about veterans?
Our experiences may change the way we see the world but taking a moment to understand us as individuals is key to supporting our success in the workplace.
What was your favorite experience in the military?
Traveling across Europe and the Middle East while deployed was my favorite experience in the military.
What has been the best part of working at Virginia Tech?
The best part has been meeting so many amazing people who are passionate about making education and the workplace accessible to everyone.
How is your professional civilian experience different from your professional military experience?
Standard operating procedures are a way of life as a professional in the military. As a professional civilian, I bring experience to lead in creating processes that make day-to-day work easier to follow.
What made you consider Virginia Tech as a place to work as a civilian?
The university’s mission of Ut Prosim embraces my dedication to service.
What advice would you give to current service members who will be joining the workforce soon?
Always remember to celebrate your accomplishments today. There’s always more to accomplish tomorrow.
Resources for veterans
For protected veterans who want to update their status, please contact your servicing HR 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 many 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 or school, and recommend actions to improve the recruitment and retention of employee and student veterans.
