With support from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Military and Veteran Success Center, Morgan Erhardt has found a way to thrive in the classroom and through military service.
It’s a path the junior animal science major has long been focused on.
“At a really young age, I knew that the military was something I wanted to do,” Erhardt said. “It just always felt like a calling.”
Growing up in Clearwater, Nebraska, Erhardt said she enlisted in the National Guard when she turned 17. After graduating high school, she completed basic training in South Carolina and Advanced Individual Training in Virginia.
"Being in the guard has opened so many opportunities to travel and see new places I never would have otherwise,” Erhardt said. “It’s amazing to meet so many people from so many different backgrounds — those connections are really meaningful to me.”
Today, she is a platoon sergeant in the National Guard, balancing full-time military service while also pursuing a degree at UNL.
“Trying to juggle full-time Guard with being a full-time student has been tough, but the support here has made it possible,” Erhardt said, adding that the university’s Military and Veteran Success Center has been a consistent support system for her, fellow Husker veterans and service members, and their family members.
“I’ve had to lean on the MVSC office a lot for support, and they always back us up 100 percent when we need it," Erhardt said. "Plus, they just encourage us to come hang out, meet other veterans and want to get to know us.”
Experience with time management and discipline are also helping Erhardt manage college coursework.
Military experience with time management and discipline have also helped Erhardt balance college coursework a
She also benefits from experience gained with time management and discipline
“Starting college after basic and AIT, I felt like I had this focus and drive already in place,” Erhardt said. “The military has taught me so much. Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today."
