From Battlefield to Classroom: William Penn Professor Advocates for Homeless Women Veterans

02/26/2025

At William Penn University, excellence isn’t confined to the classroom – it’s woven into the very fabric of the university’s community, where faculty members like Brittny Tschetter embody the university’s commitment to service, passion, and advocacy. An Associate Professor of Business, Tschetter is not only a dedicated educator but a living testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Tschetter’s journey, one shaped by years of military service and dedication to supporting veterans, has led her to an unexpected stage: competing in the Ms. Veteran America competition. This competition, which honors the sacrifices of female veterans and raises awareness for issues like homelessness among veterans and their families, became a platform for Tschetter to combine her passions for advocacy and education. Her decision to participate was born from a deep personal commitment to helping veterans, a cause she and her husband have championed for years. In the past, they’ve trained service dogs for veterans, but the rising cost of care led them to seek new ways to make a difference. When Tschetter discovered that Ms. Veteran America benefited Final Salute Inc., an organization focused on aiding homeless women veterans, she knew she had found a new mission.

As a single mother who enlisted at a time when most doors seemed closed to her, Tschetter’s own military service profoundly shaped her life. She joined the military while her youngest child was only six weeks old, driven by a desire to provide for her family and to rise above the challenges she faced. “Serving our country changed my life forever,” she reflects. “I am a fighter. I am very passionate about helping others achieve and see their potential.” This same sense of determination defines her role as a professor, where her motto is clear: “I leave no one behind.” Tschetter’s belief in the potential of every individual mirrors the values instilled in her through military service. Her commitment to supporting her students is not just professional; it’s personal.

Competing in Ms. Veteran America was an experience Tschetter describes as “like a dream – something in a Disney movie.” Her unexpected placement as second runner-up wasn’t just a personal achievement but a source of motivation to continue advocating for homeless women veterans. The moment she stepped into a room filled with her fellow female veterans, a bond was instantly formed. “I remember glancing around the room and smiling. I felt at home again. It was the first time in years that I felt at peace,” she shares, recalling the powerful sense of camaraderie that connected them.

Though she did not win the crown, Tschetter’s journey is far from over. She will continue to raise awareness and provide a voice to those who have too often been overlooked. Through this experience, Tschetter hopes to share an important message: that women veterans deserve as much recognition and support as their male counterparts. “Homeless in some areas may not be visible, but it exists, and it is an immediate need among our women veterans and their children,” she says.

The cause of homeless women veterans resonates deeply with Tschetter. Having experienced homelessness herself after returning from deployment, she understands the urgent need for more resources and programs to support veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Her experience with Final Salute Inc., an organization dedicated to addressing this issue, has been a lifeline, and she remains committed to ensuring that more veterans have access to the resources they need to thrive.

At William Penn University, Tschetter’s commitment to advocating for veterans aligns with the university’s values of service and community involvement. She believes that institutions like William Penn play a vital role in raising awareness about veterans’ issues and inspiring others to get involved. “The outreach that communities and institutions can have is crucial in gaining assistance for these women veterans and their children,” she explains.

As a professor, veteran, and advocate, Tschetter has learned how to balance these different aspects of her identity. “Each one plays a piece of one another, essentially creating one identity, Advocate,” she says. Her work with Ms. Veteran America has only strengthened her resolve to encourage her students to chase their dreams and reach for opportunities they may have thought were out of reach. “All things are possible, if you believe in yourself,” she reminds them.

Tschetter’s involvement in Ms. Veteran America is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a call to action. Through her work, she continues to inspire not just her students at William Penn but also fellow veterans, especially women, who may feel lost or overlooked. Her message is simple, yet powerful: “Never give up, even when all things seem to be crashing down. Reminding them that they are valuable, even if they cannot see it. You are forever in a sisterhood that supports you for who you are.”

In every aspect of her life – as a mother, veteran, professor, and advocate – Tschetter exemplifies the strength, courage, and unwavering determination that William Penn University aims to foster in its students and faculty alike. Her story is one of hope, resilience, and the enduring belief that no one, no matter the circumstances, should ever be left behind.