Biography
Keri Reams leads the Military Division for Grand Canyon University in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Higher Education has been her passion for over 20 years. Keri has a BS in Legal Studies from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix.
After 25 years serving the United States Air Force as a military spouse, she has become more passionate about preparing our military community for transition. Connecting our military community with additional resources that are beyond what is provided by our base or post resources. Keri has also joined forces as the President of Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME). VA-ACME provides scholarships to military families through an annual fundraising symposium that works to share knowledge and training to all military educators and their students. Working with our military community to find the best educational path has been the most fulfilling part of her career. Being a non-traditional student herself, the challenges she faced are why she ensures each student understands how to navigate their degree program.
Keri’s newest project has been to virtual events that highlight a military spouse from different branches and locations to discuss resources that are available to military members and their families before they are no longer eligible. Allowing spouses an opportunity to share best practices through virtual events has created an additional way to connect this community with support.
What is your military affiliation? Keri is an Air Force spouse (retired) of over 25 years.
What is your current role? Keri is the University Development Manager for the Military Division at Grand Canyon University.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career search as a Military Spouse: Working hard to establish myself and to move up in any organization and then to have to start all over to prove myself at the next. This actually created an opportunity for me to be able to adjust to an ever-changing field in higher education. I embrace innovation and change. Taking what I learned from each different career allowed me to advance much quicker each time and add to my toolbox with each new challenge.
What advice would you give your fellow Military Spouses? We know that you can do it, but let me help! Military spouses have a tendency to not accept help when it is offered. We want to prove we can do it to ourselves. We need to know that everyone is there to support your success. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get support where you need it. This is a very challenging lifestyle. We can make it better for one another.
Keri: I would love to hear feedback on any tools and resources that you find helpful that you feel are hidden within our community and underutilized. Please share these hidden gems with one another!