In spring, Marvin Carr, a 47-year-old non-traditional student at the University of Northern Iowa, walked across the McLeod Center stage to receive his diploma in Social Sciences Teaching. As a U.S. Navy veteran with six years of honorable service, Carr’s dedication and service in multiple campus organizations recently earned him the title of 2025 Iowa Military Friendly Veteran of the Year.

The recognition reflects an outstanding record of leadership and service on campus and in the community. Serving as president of both the UNI Veterans Association and UNI’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, he worked to create a welcoming, supportive space for student veterans. This included helping to coordinate programming and events at the UNI Veteran Center, strengthening connections with local veteran organizations, and representing UNI at the SVA National Conference, where he earned the President of the United States Award (Silver) for logging more than 360 volunteer hours in one year.

In addition, Carr has served as UNI Sergeant at Arms for the Iowa High School United Nations, a UNI teacher education ambassador, and executive member of Connecting Alumni to Students. On top of all that, he continues to work part-time as a security supervisor for UNI Athletics. “He is the epitome of leadership and is most deserving of the Military Friendly Veteran of the Year,” said Chiquita Loveless, assistant dean of students in Family and Military Programming at UNI, in nominating Carr for the award. “Marvin has taken his opportunities seriously and has made UNI proud. As a prior enlisted sailor, I know how hard he worked to achieve his goals.” 

Loveless added that earning the title of Iowa Veteran of the Year is a huge accomplishment — one that has inspired pride across the UNI community and has made many people extremely proud.

"Marvin was very visible at UNI Athletics events as a member of the facilities team and was a popular figure among fellow students when he lived in our residence halls," said UNI President Mark Nook. “More importantly, Marvin devoted countless hours helping other students learn how to be successful during his time at UNI.”

Marvin devoted countless hours helping other students learn how to be successful during his time at UNI.

UNI President Mark Nook

 

In August, Carr began a 16-week student teaching assignment at Iowa Falls-Alden High School. His first eight weeks focus on teaching World History and Current Events, followed by another eight weeks instructing American Government, Sociology and recent U.S. History. 

“Student teaching has been really fun,” said Carr. “My cooperating teacher had me start teaching on the very first day — which also happened to be my birthday.”

While the first week involved some trial and error, Carr quickly found his rhythm in the classroom. “By the end of the second week, I was teaching World History three times a day and teaching all of the classes on my own,” he said.

Carr’s commitment to student-teaching is evident in his daily routine. He starts his day at 4:30 a.m. and drives 35 minutes from Webster City to Iowa Falls, always arriving before 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the day.  From 9 a.m. until 3:20 p.m., he teaches five class periods, then uses the final half-hour of his school day to connect with students who need additional help or test reassessments.

After school, Carr either heads to Cedar Falls for his work with UNI Athletics or returns home to spend time with family – a top priority despite his busy schedule. 

Though his schedule is full, Carr remains focused on his purpose and the impact he can make, both in and beyond the classroom.

“I am looking forward to finding the next place where I can leave my mark, like I have done at UNI,” said Carr. “Wherever I do end up, I just want to make a lasting impact on the community.”