Nadine Jones has something in common with veterans: service.

“I am in school to gain the tools to learn how to better the lives of others,” she said. “I feel as though I was put on this earth to serve.”

As president of the Association of Women Veterans, Jones connects on-campus female veterans with community resources. Through the organization, she hosted Female Veteran Stand Down, an annual event that provided resources, education and employment services to more than 300 female veterans—from campus and the community.

“Nadine Jones is a true humanitarian,” said Tom Pitock, veteran affairs coordinator. “She is an advocate for the marginalized, focusing her efforts on disadvantaged veterans in the community.”

That commitment may be most evident in her work as founder of the Love a Michigan Vet Project, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to area veterans and military families. Along with a team of volunteers, she provides and serves dinner at a local veteran shelter; assists veterans and their families with food, clothing and shelter needs; and sends care packages to active duty military serving overseas.

And with each activity, Jones encourages UM-Dearborn student organizations to get involved, creating awareness of veteran issues and building a network of support across campus.

“Nadine has an extraordinary ability to bring people together in service to others,” said SOAR Director Ellen Judge-Gonzalez, noting that Jones also is active in the Wolverine Leadership Cohort, Honors Transfer Innovators, Intervarsity and Talent Gateway. “She is a terrific example for other students of what it means to lead collaboratively, with a strong sense of purpose and determination.”

For Jones, being an example to others is another way she can serve her community.

“As an adult student, I believe I have a responsibility to make life better for the younger generation of students,” said Jones, who plans to continue her education in UM-Dearborn’s Master of Public Administration degree program. “I try to be a positive role model to them, offer encouragement and lead by example.”