Meet Garrett Anderson, the Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Outreach at the Chez Veterans Center.

What is your role?

Garrett serves as the Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Outreach. In this position, he connects with students before they arrive on campus and throughout their time at the University of Illinois. He answers questions, guides students through academic and personal challenges, and links them to helpful campus resources. Garrett also serves as the advisor for the Illini Veterans RSO, actively helping military-connected students build strong community ties and stay engaged.

What is your favorite part?

Garrett’s favorite aspect of his work is the daily interaction with students and witnessing their continuous growth. He finds it deeply rewarding to watch students overcome hurdles, achieve their personal and academic goals, and ultimately celebrate their success by walking across the graduation stage.

Advice for a new semester?

Garrett advises students to go to class and never hesitate to ask for help right away. He encourages everyone not to wait until they are struggling to reach out, reminding students that a wide network of dedicated people and resources across campus is ready to support their success.

One thing to know?

A fun personal fact about Garrett that students might be surprised to learn is that he has a twin brother!