Jeanne Robinson has worked for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for longer than most current faculty or staff members. Born and raised in the community with her seven brothers and sisters, she still gathers regularly with her mother and sisters, who all continue to call Platteville home. Her professional life has been just as grounded in the city, having worked on campus since 1984 in a variety of student-centered roles. Robinson serves as the School Certifying Official for veterans’ benefits at the university’s Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students. It’s a role she’s proud to call her own.
“I like my job,” said Robinson. “It’s that simple. When I read the emails people have sent me through the years, thanking me for helping them with their benefits, it keeps me coming back.”
Robinson is the cornerstone of a service that assists almost 200 veterans annually with the complicated process of applying for and maintaining educational benefits. She’s also instrumental in helping more than 170 dependents and spouses receive their transferred GI Bill® benefits.
“I like making sure the students receive their veteran educational benefits, which is especially important to them,” explained Robinson. “They and their families served this country, and now it’s my turn to serve them. If I can help them avoid one more stressor by managing the paperwork and bureaucracy, I feel like I’ve done something meaningful.”
In a remarkable full-circle journey, Robinson has supported three generations of a single veteran family, a legacy that speaks to her dedication and long-term impact. The first veteran she helped was a Marine who was 100% disabled; she vividly remembers how he would bring his young son to her office.
“His little boy would sit on the counter and play with crayons while we worked his benefits,” recalled Robinson.
Years later, that same boy returned as a man to use his own earned benefits to pursue a college education. After graduating, he went on to serve in the Army. Today, his two children—the grandchildren of the original Marine—are continuing the tradition, using their father’s benefits to further their own futures.
Each student Robinson has helped over the years, tells a similar story about her support for veterans and their families.
"Jeanne helps veterans find a home in the Wright Center,” said alumnus Jason Green. “She strengthens the veteran population and helps hundreds of veterans attain their academic aspirations."
Robinson returned to the Wright Center eight years ago as this marks her second stint in this role. She previously served as the university’s certifying official for 15 years while working in the Registrar’s Office. After a seven-year period in the general engineering office, she was asked to return full-time to the Wright Center due to her unparalleled knowledge and commitment.
Greg Tremelling, coordinator of the Wright Center, says Robinson’s return was a turning point.
"What I find truly remarkable about Jeanne is that she has an unrivaled dedication to our students," Tremelling said. "Whether that’s helping them access their education benefits, listening to their challenges and needs, or connecting them with resources—Jeanne makes time to help her students feel seen and supported."
Robinson’s love for higher education and working with students has remained constant throughout her career. For Robinson, the complexity of the role is also part of what draws her to the work.
“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of it,” Robinson reflected. “There’s something satisfying about digging into the details, navigating the regulations and making sure everything is right. I was trained well when I started, and I’m glad I’m somewhere I can put that experience to good use.”
Her success is not just measured in the years she’s invested in UW-Platteville, but in the memories she holds dear about the people she’s helped over the past four decades.
"The military connected families that we work with are very appreciative," said Robinson. "We always try to help our students out, and our military families often express how thankful they are for that. If I can make their lives easier, then I've done my job in a place that I love."