Vassar Posse Vets Grad Pursues Social Work
Nicole Leadenham received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College in 2018, making her the first woman to graduate through the Posse Veterans Program at the college.
Before becoming a Posse Scholar, Nicole served in the Army National Guard. During her two deployments she supported the opening of the first women’s hospital in downtown Kabul and pursued work with women’s communities in Afghanistan and Iraq.
She learned of the Posse Veterans Program in an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a veterans’ advocacy organization. Nicole had never heard of the program but was eager to be introduced to a new opportunity. She seized the moment.
“It wasn't always easy, but there was so much love and support."
Knowing that she’d be an older student at a small liberal arts college, Nicole anticipated some challenges. However, when she remembered meaningful relationships she developed with people of all ages and backgrounds during her time in the National Guard, she found that her concerns melted away. The diverse community would turn out to be one of her favorite parts of her time on campus.
“A highlight of my time at Vassar would have to be this last year living with traditional students,” Nicole says. “It wasn’t always easy, but there was so much love and support."
She also speaks highly about Vassar’s psychology department and her advisors, including Posse mentor Sid Plotkin.
“He was the most amazing addition to my life, both academically and personally," Nicole says.
She cites other Vassar milestones of studying abroad in Spain, working out at the varsity gym with student athletes, and cutting loose and laughing with her Posse. She knows Vassar has more than adequately prepared her for what’s next: a career dedicated to fellow veterans.
Years ago, after losing a member of her company to suicide, Nicole says, "I made the decision that I needed and wanted to do more to help other veterans combat the complexities of coming home."
Since graduating from Vassar, Nicole has started a Master of Social Work program at Smith College. With an emphasis on clinical social work, Nicole’s long-term goal is to start her own practice in Costa Rica, providing a space for veterans to get away and receive comprehensive rehabilitation services.
