Director, Office of Veteran Success | Syracuse University
Bill Wilson serves as Director of the Office of Veteran Success at Syracuse University, bringing more than 30 years of higher education leadership experience spanning Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Advancement, and Constituent Relations. Nearly 15 years of his career have been dedicated to advancing the success of military-affiliated students and strengthening the institutional programs and services that support them.
Throughout his career, Bill has established a reputation as a transformational leader, frequently called upon to guide organizations through periods of transition, establish new programs, revitalize existing operations, and position teams for long-term success. His leadership approach emphasizes shared vision, professional empowerment, accountability, and collaboration, with a particular focus on creating environments where individuals and organizations can realize their full potential.
Prior to joining Syracuse University, Bill served as Director of the Military Resource Center at Radford University, where he inherited an operation that had experienced significant reductions in resources, institutional visibility, and strategic direction. Working to reestablish the Center as an integral part of the university’s student success efforts, he strengthened campus partnerships, renewed its strategic focus, and rebuilt institutional support. In just two years, his leadership resulted in a doubling of both operational funding and professional staffing, a strategic restructuring of the student workforce, and a renewed sense of purpose and direction for the Center.
Previously, as Director of the Veteran Services Office at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bill guided the institution through a comprehensive program review, multiple audits, and significant changes to complex federal policies and procedures. He established a renewed vision for veteran services, modernized administrative processes, strengthened relationships with local, state, and regional veteran communities, and helped reestablish a strong and visible veteran culture across campus. During his tenure, the university experienced a 38% increase in its veteran student population. Beyond the campus, Bill leveraged his experience and relationships to build consensus within the University of North Carolina System, advocating for expanded opportunities, services, and benefits for military-affiliated students throughout the state.
Earlier in his career, at James Madison University, Bill held a leadership role combining institutional advancement, civic education, and strategic initiatives. In addition to securing and administering grants supporting civic education, he served as an advisor to the University President and Provost on a range of institutional priorities, including an assessment of the university’s support for military-affiliated students. His efforts helped establish a campus-wide committee dedicated to serving this population, launch a chapter of Student Veterans of America, create the university’s first dedicated space for student veterans, and secure support through the Student Veterans of America/Home Depot Foundation grant program.
Across these experiences, a consistent theme has defined Bill’s career: recognizing organizational potential, bringing people together around a common purpose, and translating vision into meaningful, sustainable results. His expertise in institutional leadership, public engagement, and policy advocacy reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening higher education institutions and the communities they serve.
Bill resides in Syracuse, New York, with his wife, their younger daughter, three dogs, and a cat. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with his adult children, extended family, and grandson.