Phillip Morris

Phillip Morris serves as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), teaching research methods courses in the Higher Education M.A. Program and Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership and Research. His work integrates teaching, research, and service with a focus on military-connected student success.

His research examines:

• Structural barriers to higher education access
• Student success metrics for non-traditional populations
• Veteran transition experiences in academic settings
• Civic engagement patterns among military-affiliated students
• Community integration models for campus belonging

Dr. Morris leverages his military background to develop impactful campus initiatives including the Military Transition Mosaic art installation and the Student Veteran Center. His work demonstrates how representation and dedicated spaces foster student belonging, particularly at UCCS which hosts one of the nation's highest proportions of military-connected students.

Having joined UCCS in 2011 through grant coordination roles before transitioning to full-time faculty in 2019, he champions the university's connected campus culture where leadership prioritizes transparent communication and community celebration. His perspective bridges veteran affairs administration and academic scholarship in higher education.