Dr. Jeni Hunniecutt is a distinguished scholar and Veteran advocate, currently serving as the CEO and Co-Owner of VetREC. With a profound dedication to advancing Veteran-related research, Dr. Hunniecutt has established herself as a pivotal figure in the field of Veteran Studies. She is also an independent Research Affiliate at the Integrated Behavioral Health Research Institute, focusing on community-engaged research with Veterans, emphasizing Veteran identity, military transitions, and psychosocial health.

Dr. Hunniecutt’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Denver in 2018, preceded by an M.A. in Professional Communication from East Tennessee State University in 2013, and a B.A. in Technical and Professional Communication from King College in 2011.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hunniecutt has held various academic and research positions. She is currently an Adjunct Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she has also served in multiple research and administrative roles, including Assistant Director of Research Engagement and Educational Programming at the Chez Veterans Center.

Her scholarly contributions include the authorship of the book “Rethinking Reintegration and Veteran Identity: A New Consciousness” and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Hunniecutt’s research and community initiatives have been supported by substantial grant funding, reflecting her expertise and commitment to improving the lives of Veterans.

Dr. Hunniecutt’s service extends beyond academia. She has been an Outreach Specialist at the Sturm Specialty in Military Psychology, a Soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard, and has held various leadership and volunteer roles in Veteran-focused organizations. Her efforts have been recognized through multiple awards and honors, including the Inclusive Excellence Fellow at the University of Denver.

A passionate educator, Dr. Hunniecutt has taught a wide range of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, specializing in communication, healthcare leadership, and Veteran community health. Her pedagogical approach is enriched by her extensive research and practical experience in Veteran engagement and support.

Dr. Hunniecutt continues to influence the field of Veteran Studies through her innovative research, dedicated service, and commitment to fostering collaborations that enhance the well-being of Veterans and their communities.

Abbie Holland Schmit’s journey of service and advocacy began at the age of 17 when she joined the Wisconsin National Guard. By 21, she was deployed to Iraq, facing numerous challenges upon her return in 2004. During this transitional period, Abbie found her voice through peer mentoring and volunteer work with organizations such as IAVA, Vets for Vets, and the Dane County Rape Crisis Line. She traveled across the United States, engaging with Veterans, civilians, reporters, and elected officials while attending Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Noteworthy interviews included discussions with Wolf Blitzer and the New York Times.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science, Abbie was offered a role as an advocate with the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program. Here, she served as a non-clinical case manager for severely injured soldiers transitioning out of the Army and back to Wisconsin. In 2011, Abbie joined the Wounded Warrior Project as Manager of Alumni, where she developed and piloted programs, became a certified peer mentor trainer, hosted round table events, testified before Congress, and championed women’s issues within the organization. Her favorite aspect of the role was building a successful team and connecting with over 10,000 warriors across her region.

Abbie then took a national position with Dryhootch of America, a non-profit recognized for peer mentoring veterans. Her leadership and vision helped establish operational controls, administrative, and reporting procedures, enhancing the organization’s efficiency. On Veterans’ Day of 2017, Abbie co-founded Phenix Legacy and served as Executive Director. This non-profit supports Military and first responders through peer mentoring. Subsequently, she joined Illinois Joining Forces as Senior Director of Women’s Programming, where she assembled a group of skilled women veterans to make Illinois the most supportive state for their sisters-in-arms.

In September 2019, Abbie became COO of Veteran Coffee Roasters, a company dedicated to producing high-quality coffee while empowering housing-insecure Veterans. From 2020 to 2024, Abbie served as the director of the Justice-Impacted Veterans (JIV) Program at Safer Foundation. She developed military cultural training and built a comprehensive program to support justice-impacted veterans, creating training content and assisting veterans with referrals and case management.

Since 2021, Abbie has been a Veteran Ambassador at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working on a two-community MST research project. Abbie firmly believes that Veterans possess the solutions to the problems within their community, and their voices must be amplified to create systemic change. She advocates for research, policy work, and systemic change to be conducted with Veterans, ensuring that these transformative solutions are effective and enduring.