The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Ulrick Brice as UConn’s Veteran of the Month. Rick was recently promoted to Battalion Commander for Recruiting and Retention for the Connecticut Army National Guard and he has more than 28 years of military service. He started as an enlisted Soldier and in all his roles he ensures Soldiers are fully supported—both at home and while deployed.
One of the most impactful moments in his career came during his deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS). That environment tested his leadership in real time. Rick watched individual soldiers step up, grow in confidence, and take ownership. It reinforced that leadership is not just about accomplishing the mission; it is about developing people and building teams capable of overcoming any challenge.
At UConn, Rick was focused on sharpening his strategic thinking and expanding his knowledge of marketing and business. His goal is to position himself for a transition into executive leadership following his military career. He has always been intentional about applying what he learns in real time, whether through projects connected to the Hartford community or by developing his own entrepreneurial ventures.
Rick has especially valued the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. Engaging with professionals from a wide range of industries has challenged his thinking and pushed him to grow. He has also appreciated opportunities to connect his academic work with real-world impact, especially through projects that engage with the local community. In May, Rick completed his coursework and graduated with an MBA degree. Congratulations to Rick!
Rick’s advice to fellow students is to fully lean into the academic experience. He says, “Don’t just show up for class; engage, ask questions, and build relationships; your military background brings discipline, leadership, and perspective that add real value in the classroom, so don’t hesitate to speak up and contribute.” Rick also emphasizes that it’s important to stay open and learn from others: “You’ll be surrounded by people with different experiences and ways of thinking, and that’s where a lot of growth happens; Be intentional about connecting what you’re learning to your future goals so you can make the most of your time on campus.”
If you would like to nominate a student, faculty, or staff member for “Veteran of the Month,” please contact Nikki Eberly with the name of the person and reasons for your nomination.