Veteran Student Feature

From Service to Purpose: How Marine Veteran Eric Nava is Leading with Heart and Vision

First image is of Eric conducting outreach alongside the VA and the second is of Eric in Helmand Province, Afghanistan

After years of military service and nonprofit advocacy, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Eric Nava, knows that leadership doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, it evolves. Now pursuing his Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Los Angeles Pacific University, Eric is equipping himself with new tools to continue his mission-driven work through the Veteran Legacy Legal Project, a nonprofit he founded to support fellow veterans and law enforcement officers.

With help from the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Voc Rehab) program, Eric’s academic journey has been both transformational and financially supported – giving him the flexibility to pursue graduate school while continuing to serve his community.

We caught up with Eric to hear more about his journey and how he’s turning purpose into action:

What inspired you to pursue your degree at LAPU?

As a Marine Corps veteran and founder of the Veteran Legacy Legal Project, I’ve seen how education empowers veterans and law enforcement to thrive in their next chapter. LAPU’s faith-based mission and focus on leadership resonated deeply with my Christian values and commitment to service. Pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership was a calling to grow as a leader and better serve my community. LAPU’s flexible, online program made it possible to balance my nonprofit work and family while chasing this goal.

How did your VA benefits support you in your education?

The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program was a game-changer for me. Voc Rehab covered my tuition at LAPU, provided a stipend for living expenses, and even helped with supplies, removing the financial stress of grad school. Without it, balancing my nonprofit and family responsibilities while studying would’ve been nearly impossible. I’m incredibly grateful for Voc Rehab’s support, which allowed me to focus on my coursework and grow as a leader.

What does earning your degree mean to you personally?

Working toward my Master’s is a deeply personal mission. It’s about honoring my service by equipping myself to lead with greater impact, whether through my nonprofit or mentoring veterans. Every step in this journey feels like a commitment to becoming the leader I’m called to be, and that means everything to me.

Were there any challenges you overcame while pursuing your degree?

Balancing grad school with running a nonprofit and raising a family was no small feat. Time management was my biggest challenge—writing papers after long days of advocacy work often tested my resolve. As a veteran, transitioning to academic life also required a mental shift. I leaned on LAPU’s supportive faculty, my Marine Corps discipline, and small strategies like breaking assignments into manageable chunks to stay on track. Overcoming these hurdles taught me resilience and deepened my gratitude for the journey.

Any advice or encouragement you’d give to other students thinking about going back to school?

If you’re considering school, my advice is to take the first step and trust yourself. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it. Research programs like LAPU that fit your life, and explore VA benefits like Voc Rehab—they’re there to help. Build a support network of family, peers, or mentors, and don’t let fear hold you back. You’ve already tackled harder challenges than a degree. Show up, take it one day at a time, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Are you a veteran ready to take the next step in your education?

Learn more about Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits:

https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

To explore your financial aid options or connect with our team, visit:

https://www.lapu.edu/contact