Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness

03/11/2026

The REACH Study reached a major milestone late last year, completing recruitment at Fort Hood. Since then, we’ve been focused on analyzing the data to better understand how peer support impacts the lives of military spouses.

📊 Early findings show 56% of participants shared that the most valuable aspects of the sessions were sharing experiences, having a sense of community, and feeling supported.

Stay tuned! The full report will be released later this year, offering deeper insights to guide future support for military families.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort! Your collaboration is driving meaningful change for military families 💙

03/04/2026

02/10/2026

We’re excited to be featured in the Winter 25–26 issue of Utopian by The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, highlighting Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness and Veteran Spouse Network and our work strengthening support for military and veteran families 📙 From peer support and su***de prevention to research-driven programs and national partnerships, our work focuses on translating research into real-world impact for military-connected communities.

Read our feature on pages 21–22 in the sneak peek:
https://na2.hubs.ly/H03yH-70

12/01/2025

📣 Austin creatives and digital marketers — we’re hiring!

Join the Veteran Spouse Network at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work:

📱 Lead social media and craft community-driven content
🎨 Design graphics & video that tell powerful stories
📰 Coordinate email newsletters and marketing
🤝 Support local outreach and community connections

If you’re passionate about storytelling, connection, and supporting military and veteran families, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H02hWXV0

11/18/2025

📢 We’re Hiring at Veteran Spouse Network!

We’re looking for a Senior Outreach Program Coordinator to help lead our communications and outreach efforts. What you’ll do:

📱 Manage VSN’s social media accounts and create engaging, mission-driven content
🎨 Design graphics, videos, and other creative materials
🗞️ Coordinate newsletters for partners and peer leaders
🤝 Support outreach and recruitment efforts across the Austin community
📈 Develop strategies to expand VSN’s reach and impact

If you’re passionate about storytelling, connection, and community support, we’d love to see your application!

Apply now: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/UT-MAIN-CAMPUS/Senior-Outreach-Program-Coordinator---Veteran-Spouse-Network_R_00043171

11/12/2025

Dr. Keller shares insights into the role of military social workers and how they support service members, veterans, and families through a commitment to values, cultural understanding, and evidence-based care during UT Social Work’s Distinguished Speaker event 🤘

11/11/2025

On Veterans Day, we were honored to welcome Dr. Nathan Keller, Ph.D., LCSW—a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Director of the Student Counseling Center at Uniformed Services University—for The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work's Distinguished Speaker event. Dr. Keller explored the history, role, and values of military social work, highlighting how social workers advance resilience and well-being for service members, veterans, and their families.

Thank you to everyone who joined and to Dr. Keller for his continued leadership in research, training, and practice.

11/10/2025

Each year, the University of Texas at Austin community gathers to honor the sacrifice of U.S. veterans and the families and loved ones who have shared in their journey.

During this year’s Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, located within Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and supported by the Veterans Committee, members of the Longhorn community reflected and gave thanks. The event featured remarks from President Jim Davis, a U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong Longhorn, and Casey Wade, 1SG (Retired), Texas VFW District 28 Commander, as they paid tribute to the courage, dedication, and devotion of those who have served in defense of our nation.

We’re grateful to attend and proud to be part of a university that continues to honor and support our veterans and their families.

10/27/2025

Our team at the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work recently had the opportunity to present two important projects at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum 2025 in Ottawa.

We shared insights from the REACH Study peer support program for active-duty military spouses at Fort Hood, Texas—an initiative that builds community through weekly support groups, peer connections, and practical skill-building for navigating military life.

We also presented findings from the Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey, developed in partnership with InDependent. This national study explores eight dimensions of wellness for military-connected spouses and reflects the experiences of over 1,100 spouses across the country.

These conversations sparked new ideas about how to strengthen support networks and better serve military and veteran families. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with others who share our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of service members, veterans, and their loved ones.

09/19/2025

Today, we proudly celebrate 75 years of innovation and impact at the The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work! 🎉

Since 1950, UT Social Work has led the way in developing compassionate leaders and changemakers who advance society through innovative teaching, impactful research, and dedicated service. The school has shaped the future of social work both locally and globally, driving meaningful change through groundbreaking partnerships and scholarship.

As part of this remarkable legacy, the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness, home to our Veteran Spouse Network, is committed to supporting military and veteran families nationwide through research, peer support, and specialized programs that address the unique challenges of military life.

We’re honored to be a part of UT Social Work’s 75-year legacy and grateful to contribute to its mission of creating lasting social change. Here’s to 75 years of impact—and many more to come! 🌟

09/15/2025

We love recognizing social work. 🤘

Laurianne Rodriguez, program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network at The University of Texas at Austin, was honored as the Honorary Veteran during the Texas Longhorns football game vs. UTEP this past Saturday.

Rodriguez, who served as an Air Force captain and personnel officer, supported her family through 20 years of military life. She now leads national programming and peer support for military and veteran spouses through the VSN, which part of UT’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness here at UT Social Work.

08/01/2025

Hearing from our leaders on why this research matters 📣 The Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey represents a major step forward in understanding the unique strengths and challenges facing our community. When we have data-informed insights, we can design better programs and policies that truly support military and veteran spouse wellbeing.

Thank you to Dr. Elisa Borah, Director & Research Professor at Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness and Veteran Spouse Network and Evie King, President of InDependent and their amazing teams for their leadership in bringing this critical research to light.