Veteran Spotlight: Silas Session - Leading a lifetime of service

September 09, 2026

This month, our Veteran Spotlight series continues with Dr. Silas J. Session Sr., executive director of the Office of Kentucky Veterans Services at the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. A retired Army Field Artillery Major with over 50 months of combat experience, Dr. Session has spent his post-military career working in Academic Affairs for the Council on Postsecondary Education, followed by a role as Director of Military Initiatives at Morehead State University. He is now leading statewide veterans' services for the Commonwealth. 

Along the way, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel, a Master of Science in adult education from Kansas State University, and a Doctor of Education and Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, while also serving as pastor of Truth Baptist Church in Radcliff, Kentucky. Learn more about Dr. Session below:

Q: What sparked your interest in postsecondary education after leaving, or while in, the military?

My interest was sparked through life planning and awareness of the education benefits provided by the military. At that time, adult education was perfect for my interest, professional career, and ministry. I took the opportunity during my last deployment to complete multiple graduate-level courses.

Q: Both your public service work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and military service involve making an impact and giving back to communities. In what ways is giving back to communities important to you?

My career, military service, and ministry gave me avenues for giving back to the community. The work we do at the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs has an intentional aim to impact the community. One of many examples is our monthly virtual job fair available for any and every Kentuckian, and any business, at no charge.

Q: What has your career in the public sector been like so far?

I thoroughly enjoy the critical task of serving the servicemembers, veterans, and families of this great commonwealth. We strive to solve problems, create new possibilities for wrap-around services, and facilitate enjoyable and informative gatherings of service members, veterans, their families, and their communities.

Q: How has your military service been useful to you in your career?

My military service has been essential to every component of my career, from the high and low points that are typical for life. There is a results-oriented drive that promotes unity, mission accomplishment, and job satisfaction from military service. The typical veteran brings unique abilities to any organization as they have been forged in the fire of agility, initiative, teamwork, and preparing for secondary and tertiary effects.

Q: In what ways has going back to college helped you be successful in your post-military career?

Going back to college helped me be successful in my post-military career by helping greatly with my transition. My higher education journey, which spanned the last four years of my military career, gave essential information and connections to help further acclimate me to life outside of the military and continued two more years after retirement. My connections in postsecondary education also bolstered my mature network, which started early in my military career and was my connection for all post military jobs.

Q: What advice do you have for other veterans who may be considering a similar career path?

Pick something you enjoy and see great worth, according to your values, interest, family dynamics, and needs. There are pros and cons to everything, but when you are passionate about a career path, it is palatable to embrace the times of challenge. 

From the battlefield to campus to pulpit, Dr. Session's career is a testament to how education and service reinforce one another. Each degree opening the door to a new way of giving back. As our Veteran Spotlight series continues, these stories share a common thread: Kentucky veterans who used the education benefits they earned to build careers, and lives, defined by purpose. We look forward to introducing you to more of the veterans shaping our commonwealth next month.