Photos: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary roundtable with FSU’s Student Veterans Center

Florida State University Student Veterans Center Director Billy Francis (left) and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence (right). Lawrence held a roundtable with student veterans and met with the university’s student veterans center staff to discuss ways their department can change and improve veterans lives post service. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
The Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence held a roundtable with student veterans and met with FSU's Student Veterans Center staff to discuss ways the VA can better support students. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
Marine Corps veteran Carl Thompson speaks during a roundtable hosted by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
The Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence visits with veterans who are currently enrolled at Florida State University for a roundtable discussion on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
Army veteran Samuel An speaks during a roundtable hosted by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
FSU Student Veterans Center Director Billy Francis moderates a roundtable with Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence and veterans who are currently enrolled at Florida State University on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
Florida State University Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea (left) shakes hands with the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence (right) before a roundtable discussion with student veterans on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence spent time gathering feedback from the benefits team at FSU's Students Veterans Center on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
The Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Paul R. Lawrence (center) visits with FSU's Student Veterans Center staff on June 24, 2025. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
FSU's Student Veterans Center benefits team works to provide student veterans with accurate information as well as certifying their benefits so that they can earn their degrees from FSU. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)