HFC welcomes Veterans Services Supervisor Dawn Hestand

Dawn Hestand is able to relate to veterans, active-military students, and their families because she comes from a military family.

“My father was in the United States Air Force and we moved a lot when I was young," said Hestand. “Having someone to connect with who understands veteran experiences helps people who may experience a disconnect when leaving military service.”

Not only was her father in the Air Force and a Vietnam veteran, two of her uncles served in the U.S. Army. Her husband of 18 years, Mike, with whom she lives in Chesterfield, also served in the Army.

“We are very excited that Dawn has joined us as Veterans Services Supervisor at HFC,” said Interim Registrar Karen Sadanowicz. “Dawn has worked with military service members and veterans, guiding them through the VA process while assisting them with their questions and concerns. She has in-depth knowledge of VA eligibility rules and regulations, which she uses to efficiently move students through the VA process.”

Relating to veteran experiences

Hestand joined HFC in late June and reports to Sadanowicz. She replaces Gail Bock, who retired last year.

“I was attracted to HFC because of its location and the opportunities for me to expand my knowledge and skillset,” said Hestand. “So far, I am enjoying the change to HFC. Everyone I met has been very helpful and friendly. I am glad that I made the decision to join the HFC team and am looking forward to many happy years here.”

Hestand’s duties include:

• Handling student veteran intake
• Helping student veterans understand and access their education benefits and their family’s benefits
• Helping veterans with other needs and connecting them to other services
• Supporting the Student Veterans Association and making connections

"I will work with active-military students as well as veterans,” said Hestland. “Then there is the compliance and ongoing VA training.”

Compliance is the most challenging part of her job, she admitted.

“There is so much to keep track of because all the different chapters of educational benefits have different rules and regulations,” said explained. “Survey audits are conducted every two years, and School Certifying Officials for student veterans who are a point of contact have to keep on top of our annual training schedules and changes in the laws that affect educational benefits for compliance.”

Making military benefits work for student veterans

Born in Port Huron, Hestand – the middle of three children and the only daughter – moved a lot because of her father being in the Air Force. Hestand lived in California and Florida before her family returned to Michigan when she was about 10.

Hestand graduated from Yale High School. She is a 4-time alumna of St. Clair County Community College (SC4) in Port Huron, where she earned associate degrees in general education, liberal arts, business, and accounting. Transferring to Northwood University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Hestand later earned her master’s degree in management from Walsh College.

Hestand has worked in higher education for more than 22 years. Prior to coming to HFC, she worked at SC4 for 20+ years. She began her career at SC4 as the evening part-time season periodicals clerk and worked her way up to veteran services coordinator.

“I really like it when I am able to help a student who didn’t know they would be able to receive a VA educational benefit,” she said. “Then I help them apply. They get so excited about having a source of aid that they were not aware of. For me, that’s the best part of the job.”