Wentworth Hires its First Director of Veterans and Military Affairs

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Michael S. Siegel, Ed.D., has been named Wentworth Institute of Technology’s first director of Veterans' and Military Affairs.

“Michael is an experienced leader who will be focusing exclusively on supporting students and prospective students who are veterans, active duty military and reservists,” said Ian Lapp, Ph.D., senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost.

“His appointment represents a critical step in the university’s plan to provide a transformative student experience for our men and women in uniform.”

Wentworth’s unwavering support for the Armed Services dates to World War I and World War II, when the institute transformed its Boston campus into a training facility for military personnel who were on their way to serve overseas. Lapp said the creation of the first director’s position for veterans and military affairs demonstrates the university’s commitment to servicemen and servicewomen today.

Before joining Wentworth (June 15), Siegel served for six years as director of Military and Veteran Student Services at Bridgewater State University. There, he managed daily operations at the Veterans’ Center and created and implemented programs and outreach strategies for active military, veterans, and their dependents. He worked on academic excellence and retention programs, helped students adapt to campus life, and advised them about majors, careers, and continuing education opportunities.  

From 2012 to 2014, Siegel was a military veterans’ services counselor at Massasoit Community College where he guided students on G.I. benefits and career planning, assisted with recruitment of students, and pursued funding opportunities for student support.

Siegel served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for 21 years before retiring in 2014 as a Sergeant First Class. His assignments included duties as an Infantry Platoon Sgt. in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; a Field Artillery Operator in Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia; and an instructor at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Ga.

Siegel received a doctorate in higher education leadership and organizational change from Benedictine University and a master’s in social science education from Fort Hays State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bridgewater State University.