Honoring Veterans…Get to Know Elizabeth Lynn

Growing up in American Samoa, Dr. Liz Masaniai Lynn never ignored her sense of adventure. One day after deciding to move to Hawaii to attend community college, Lynn and her friend were intrigued when they passed a road sign that suggested they “see the world” by joining the Armed Forces. Taking the billboard’s message to heart, it wasn’t long before Lynn enlisted in the Air Force and began working in telecommunications and actively taking classes working toward her degree. Lynn’s father retired from the U.S. Navy and “Coming from a big family, I was raised to value education,” she said. “I’m one of 12 kids, so I knew my parents couldn’t afford to send all of us to college.”

The Air Force provided a way for Lynn to earn her education and became a central part of her story. Her Air Force career spanned 25 years, 10 of which were active duty as a Telecommunications Specialist and 15 as an Air Force Reservist, First Sergeant, serving one weekend a month and two weeks per year. As a Reservist, she and her husband raised their family while she worked in finance with the U.S. Department of Energy. In more recent years, she has served as a member of the Placer County Superior Court Grand Jury.

With her Bachelor’s in Management and Master’s in Organizational Management, Lynn later went on to earn her Doctorate of Education in Leadership Management from Drexel University. Currently she serves Jessup University as a thesis mentor for the Master in Education program in Jessup’s School of Education, working at the growing university since 2017. “I learn so much from my students,” Lynn said. “It’s just amazing to see the progression from when I first meet with them to the point when they walk across the stage to receive their diploma. It is so rewarding.” 

She also finds time to assist with Jessup’s Veterans Advisory Council. “I was inspired when I met Des Nelson during the dedication of our Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC),” Lynn said. Nelson is a major gift officer in Advancement and has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the VRC. “When I met Elizabeth, I knew she would be a great asset to our Veterans council,” Nelson said. “She has been a huge blessing and passionate assistant to building the lives of Jessup veterans on campus.” 

“Jessup is a very welcoming atmosphere for veterans,” Lynn said. “We are actively building community for our veterans, providing a space for them to hang out, build relationships and share resources.”