Michael Casson, left, a member of the Iowa National Guard and student at Iowa State, and Brady Talley, right, director of the ISU Military-Affiliated Student Center, talk in the lounge area of the center located on the fifth floor of the Memorial Union on June 30, 2026. (Photos by Chris Gannon)

Ames, Iowa – Michael Casson wasn't looking for a life-changing experience when he wandered into Iowa State University's Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) during finals week his first semester on campus.

The Iowa National Guard member from Oakland, Iowa, simply needed a quiet place to study. Hours later, he walked out with a new favorite place on campus.

By the end of the semester, he earned all As — an impressive feat for the student who said he struggled academically throughout high school. Today, Casson carries a 3.95 GPA, is majoring in kinesiology and exercise science, and spends much of his time helping other military-affiliated students as they adjust to university life.

“I just loved it. I love being up here. I love camaraderie and seeing and hearing from other veterans. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience,” Casson said.

For Brady Talley, director of the Military-Affiliated Student Center, stories like Casson's are exactly why the center exists. A veteran and former combat medic who understands the challenges of transitioning from military service to college life, Talley works to ensure military-affiliated students have the resources, mentorship and community they need to thrive.

That commitment recently earned national recognition. Iowa State was named the No. 2 Military Friendly School and No. 8 Military Spouse Friendly School among Tier 1 research institutions by Military Friendly® Schools and will be recognized as a Top Yellow Ribbon School in the September issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine.

"These honors recognize more than a set of programs or services. They recognize a culture of support," Talley said. "Choosing a university is an important decision. We want them to know that Iowa State is a place where their experiences are respected, their contributions are valued and their success matters."

Michael Casson and Brady Talley in the Military-Affiliated Student Center. 

That support often begins with a visit to the Military-Affiliated Student Center. Last spring, more than 1,900 undergraduates, nearly 300 graduate students and more than 30 professional students who are veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and military family members used the center’s resources.

Wraparound care

Located on the fifth floor of the Memorial Union, the Military-Affiliated Student Center's 1,900-square-foot space is designed to be more than a place to study. With a lounge area, games, conference rooms, coffee and snacks, it serves as both a resource hub and gathering place. Regular programming — including game nights, weekly dinners, monthly birthday celebrations and special commencement ceremonies — helps students build connections with others who share similar experiences.

One of those events helped introduce Casson to the community he now considers family.

Talley first met Casson at a Tuesday night dinner for military-affiliated students hosted by Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames. What began as a conversation developed into a mentorship that has shaped Casson's experience at Iowa State.

“I appreciate everything he’s taught me and everything he’s done for me. I wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for Brady,” Casson said.

The relationship extends far beyond academics.

“I’ve come here stressed out and angry sometimes. This place gives me the motivation to keep going. Many times, when he’s (Talley) already busy, he’ll take time out of his day to help me. He is a mental health advocate and has been through a lot of things in life I commend him for," Casson said. 

That level of support reflects Talley's philosophy of what he calls "wraparound care."

A combat medic who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm before continuing his service in the Texas Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, Talley understands the unique challenges military-affiliated students face as they transition to campus life, balance responsibilities and pursue academic goals. He experienced those challenges himself as he went to college right after his service and earned degrees from Texas State University and Nova Southeastern University.

Drawing on nearly two decades of working in high schools and in higher education, Talley approaches each student with the same goal: helping them find the support they need to succeed.

“You may forget my name, but don’t forget my lesson,” Talley said. “Sometimes it’s just someone opening up the kindness in their heart so the person in need sees the care and concern. My door is always open and the atmosphere is intentionally welcoming. I want everyone to know they have a safe place to go on campus, whether they need academic guidance, personal support or simply a place to study between classes.”

Building community beyond the classroom

For many students, the center's impact extends beyond the resources it provides.

It becomes a place where military-affiliated students build friendships, develop leadership skills and support one another through the challenges of college life.

Casson is one example.

Today, his relationship with the center has come full circle. Rather than simply receiving support, he now helps provide it as a student office assistant, assisting other military-affiliated students as they navigate educational benefits, campus resources and university life.

“I’ve been in their position, and I’m here to give back,” he said.
His desire to help others mirrors the culture Talley has worked to cultivate within the center.

“He turns around and helps others like I helped him. Now he’s creating a legacy for himself and his legacy will continue,” Talley said.

Sydni (left) and Lena (right), Iowa State Public Safety's therapy dogs, are regular guests at the Military-Affiliated Student Center. (Courtesy photo) 

The center's regular events also include the beloved weekly visits from the ISU Public Safety therapy dogs. 

"We are grateful to be able to partner with MASC and offer these visits to the students and staff there. Anytime the girls are able to put a smile on someone's face and help them slow down, even if it's just for 5 minutes, is a good day," said Kinsey Hauser, therapy dog outreach specialist with ISU Public Safety.

Encouraging connections and creating an environment where military-affiliated students understand they are not alone is at the heart of the center's mission.  

“This is something we’ve all earned. We’ve earned the right to be successful. My success and motivation are because of this place. I was not in a good spot, but making connections here gave me an opportunity to work, handle my financial aid and give back to others. It’s a chain of support and we help with whatever is needed,” Casson said.

Ongoing support

The support available through the Military-Affiliated Student Center doesn't end once students become comfortable on campus.

Through mentoring programs, leadership opportunities, academic recognition and career development, the center remains involved throughout students' time at Iowa State.

One of its signature initiatives is the Cyclone Mentoring Veterans Program, a peer mentoring program that helps veterans navigate both university life and the transition from military service to higher education. Participants learn about resources on and off campus while building connections with fellow students who understand their experiences.

Students also can engage with Student Veterans of America, a national organization dedicated to supporting student veterans, and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, which recognizes academic achievement, leadership, service and excellence among veterans while providing networking, scholarship and volunteer opportunities.

For Talley, those programs are designed to help students move beyond simply earning a degree.

“Seeing them go from social avoidance to coming in and opening up is incredible. We help them come out of that shell to become a part of the community,” Talley said.

The center also celebrates students' accomplishments. Each fall and spring, military-affiliated graduates are honored during a special recognition ceremony where they receive a commencement stole or cord representing their military branch or affiliated status. Family members and friends are invited to participate in a dinner and presentation recognizing the graduates and their achievements.

National recognition, local impact

The recognition from the Military Friendly® Schools and U.S. Veterans Magazine carries significance beyond campus. Each year, the rankings are distributed to morale, welfare and recreation facilities that provide quality-of-life resources and support services to military communities nationwide. When service members begin exploring higher education opportunities, those rankings often serve as a guide to institutions known for supporting veterans and military families. Iowa State's inclusion on those lists helps introduce prospective students to the support systems available in Ames.

The designations are based on extensive evaluations of how institutions support veterans and transitioning service members. According to U.S. Veterans Magazine, recognized organizations demonstrate measurable impact, long-term commitment and comprehensive support for veterans at every level. Evaluations incorporate survey responses, public records, interviews, reader feedback, media coverage and participation in veteran-focused events and programs.

For Talley, however, the rankings are ultimately a reflection of something much simpler: students succeeding.

“At the end of the day, to me personally and professionally, it is about legacy building. If there’s one student like Michael, then there are 10 or more that are also out there that can benefit from what we’re doing here,” Talley said.