From Combat to Campus

When José Roa graduated from high school in Woodland, California, college didn’t feel like an option.

“I didn’t think I was college material,” he said. “I just didn’t connect with school at the time.”

So instead of enrolling, Roa enlisted in the U.S. Army. What he found there changed the course of his life.

During 10 years in the infantry — serving in Germany; Fort Lewis, Washington; and Fort Hood, Texas; plus two deployments to Afghanistan — Roa discovered a deep appreciation for learning and the power of community. He attended leadership courses, earned specialized training certifications and learned to thrive in structured, team-based environments.

“In the Army, you never stop learning,” Roa said. “You’re always training, adapting, teaching the next person. That’s where I realized how much I love helping others grow.”

A New Mission: Higher Education

After being medically discharged from a shoulder injuries sustained during service, Roa decided to use his GI Bill benefits to return to school. It was a decision he said gave him a new purpose.

He finished bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a focus on mental health, in 2022; completed a master’s in counseling from San Francisco State in 2025; and is now pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from San Francisco State University. His research explores how universities can better support nontraditional students, especially veterans navigating the transition from military to academic life.

Today, Roa serves as a career advisor at the UC Davis Career Center and as a liaison at the UC Davis Veterans Success Center, where he helps students chart paths that fit their interests, strengths and experiences.

“I know what it’s like to feel disconnected from college,” he said. “That’s why I want to make sure other veterans have a network and know there’s a place for them here.”

Rebuilding a Network of Support

Roa recently took on another leadership role as chair of the reactivated Veterans Faculty and Staff Association (VFSA) — a campuswide group dedicated to supporting veterans, military-connected students and allies. Working in partnership with the Veterans Employee Association at UC Davis Health, he hopes to create a network that connects veterans across both campuses and helps them find mentorship, resources and belonging.

“Veterans represent one of the most diverse communities in our country. People from every race, ethnicity and background are in the service,” Roa said. “What unites us is our shared commitment to something greater than ourselves. That sense of purpose doesn’t end when we leave the service.”

For Roa, leading the VFSA is about more than recognition; it’s about ensuring that veterans and military-connected Aggies feel visible and valued in every corner of the university.

“We want to highlight veterans not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year,” he said. “Because when we connect and share our stories, everyone benefits: the students, the staff and the university as a whole.”

A Commitment to Belonging

Whether advising a first-year student at the career center, mentoring a veteran returning to school or organizing a campus event, Roa brings the same energy that once guided him in uniform: selfless service, putting the welfare of others before your own and a belief in shared purpose.

“Helping others find direction is what keeps me going,” he said. “If I can make someone feel like they belong here and that their story matters, then I’m doing my job.”