As Director for UChicago’s Office of Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC) Terrell Odom, who served as a medic in the U.S. Navy for six years’ active duty and in the Navy Reserves an additional two years, is responsible for developing and coordinating efforts and programs for the University’s military-affiliated communities, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and their families. He works closely with units across campus on academic affairs, recruiting and admission, financial aid, housing, registrar services, campus and student life, and career counseling for UChicago’s military-affiliated communities.

During his years at University of Chicago, he has helped to grow the military-affiliated student population, helped to bring Army Medicine to University of Chicago Medical Center, created several new programs and initiatives to raise awareness of veterans and their families, participated in research around the country to support military service members and veterans, and established a holistic support system for service members, veterans, and their families transitioning into academic programs and careers at UChicago.

Terrell has worked in higher education for over 16 years at both public and private institutions, including trade and technical schools and two- and four-year universities.

Terrell lives on the South Side of Chicago with his wife and two daughters and their three German Shepherds. He serves as chairman of the Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs for the city of Chicago, member of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, board member for the Lewis Family Foundation, ambassador for the American Legion’s Military Credential Advancement Initiative, member of the USS Illinois 786 Club, and CEO and founder of Veterans Serving Our Communities, a not-for-profit that provides mentoring for at-risk middle and high school students.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at UChicago?

I enjoy working for an organization that is welcoming and supportive to the military-affiliated community. Too many times organizations will say they support the community, but they do not take the time to understand and truly appreciate the diversity military-affiliated persons bring to an organization.

Q: What drew you to a career in higher education?

When I left military service in 2005, there were no organizations to support student veterans on campuses, it was simply the student veteran navigating a system alone. This led me to my first job in higher education, an internship at City Colleges of Chicago, assisting other student veterans with their transition into higher education. Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of student service roles. I’ve also conducted national research on how best to transition military-affiliated people into higher education with the American Legion and the Lumina Foundation.

Q: You've led efforts that have helped grow the military-affiliated student population at UChicago. Why is it so important that UChicago increase the number of military-affiliated students who study here?

Military-affiliated students bring diverse perspectives and experiences, and they enrich learning in the classroom. Their experiences can expand the dialogue and bridge gaps of theory and practice. Our brave service members, in addition to their military duties, serve as ambassadors for the nation overseas. Leading by example is what we veterans do. This rings true on the UChicago campus as well. Rigor and tenacity are a part of our DNA, and the examples we set are valuable for traditional students.

Q: Can you share some examples of how you draw upon your military service and experience in your day-to-day role at UChicago?

As a combat medic, I needed to listen very carefully and act with the best intention. I do the same when working with transitioning students. Many come directly from military service with no idea of what to expect as a civilian, let alone as a student. When they are telling me about their lives, families, goals, etc., I am playing situations in my head to ensure they are paired with the right types of support. In the military, there were no gray areas for me – life was at risk if I didn’t get something right! I’ve taken that same approach for over the past 16 years supporting our heroes and their families when they come home.