Michael Kepner (Army Veteran)

As the Director of the Office of Military and Veteran Success at the University of Central Florida, Mike Kepner is focused on growing programs and opportunities for student veterans throughout the university and Central Florida.  He has vast knowledge and insight within the veteran community and takes great pleasure in supporting military, student veterans, and family members throughout their journey at UCF. 

Mike retired from the United States Army after serving 23 years to include multiple deployments around the globe for both combat and humanitarian missions.  Having served at multiple levels of command and staff, Mike has spent a lifetime leading, training, and preparing service members for mission accomplishment and achieving their objectives.  After retiring to Central Florida in 2016, Mike graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Leadership.  Mike was also inducted into SALUTE – Veterans National Honor Society at the University of Central Florida.

Prior to this he served as the Director of Advanced Manufacturing Programs at Valencia College.  During his time at Valencia College, Mike was instrumental in obtaining full VA and State Approving Agency approval and accreditation for the Valencia College – Advanced Manufacturing Program. This allowed veterans and family members to utilize their VA education benefits for accelerated programs leading to high-wage positions and career opportunities.  Serving as Director of the Manufacturing Program, his strategic vision focused on creating educational pathways for student veterans and eligible family members to find career success in high-wage industries.

Mike is passionate about community involvement, creating career pathways, and veteran advocacy.  For his dedicated work in the educational space for veterans in 2018 he was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a Veteran of Influence.  Mike continues to advocate for veterans and their families at every opportunity focused on creating purposeful relationships and strengthening opportunities for our students.