United States Marine Corps veteran and Syracuse University employee Kari Mickinkle was born in Syracuse, New York, raised in Sandy Creek, and resides in Chittenango with her two golden retrievers – Koda and Hooper.
Kari enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2012 after graduating from Syracuse University with her bachelor’s degree in history. After completing boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and her Military Police schooling at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, Kari was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Kari was assigned to the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, and in 2015, she deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Eager Lion.
Kari served in the Marine Corps on active duty for five years and was discharged in 2017 as a Sergeant. She returned to Syracuse University and became an Office Coordinator for the College of Professional Studies. In 2018, Kari joined the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), working with the Office of Veteran Success team. She currently works as a school certifying official, helping to process VA education benefits for veterans and military-connected students.
In addition to her work with the Office of Veteran Success, Kari is currently the Vice President of the Association of Veterans Education Certifying Officials (AVECO) Board of Directors. AVECO assists school certifying officials nationwide in staying updated and informed on changes within the Veterans Administration education system.
Kari’s proudest military moment was when she was promoted to corporal during her time in the Marine Corps.
