Phillip Morris

Phillip Morris, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). He specializes in veteran and military student success, higher education access, and advancing instructional outcomes. His teaching includes leadership, program evaluation, and research methods courses. Morris holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida (2011), with research emphasizing veteran academic integration, STEM transitions, and wellness programs.

Education:

• PhD, Higher Education Administration, University of Florida (2011)
• MA, Geography and GIS, University of Florida (2007)
• BA, Political Science, Concord University (2003)

Research Interests: Veteran academic success, military-to-civilian transition, STEM pathways for veterans, mental health stigma reduction, and institutional policies supporting military-connected students. His work bridges academic advising strategies, program development, and policy analysis to enhance educational access and retention.

Grants & Funding:

• 2024: $1.1M Department of Defense grant for Digital Citizenship and Civics Leadership (PI)
• 2021: $100K National Endowment for the Humanities grant (External Evaluator)
• 2015: $1M Anschutz Foundation grant for Military and Veterans Pathways (Lead)

Awards: 2023 SAHE Influential Educator Award, 2022 AERA Exemplary Paper Award, and 2016 UCCS Million Dollar Club Inductee. His research emphasizes data-driven solutions for veterans' academic and professional transitions.

Labs/Teams: Leads initiatives at UCCS focused on veteran resource centers, peer mentoring programs, and STEM career pathways. Collaborates with organizations like the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and the Journal of Veteran Studies.