1.       What degrees have you earned and where did you earn them?

I have earned 2 Associates degrees – Associates of Applied Science in Aircraft Armament Systems Technology and an Associates of Applied Science in Instructor of Technology and Military Science.  I then earned a Baccalaureate degree in Applied Science in Business Management from Mount Olive College before getting a Master of Science in Business Organizational Management concentration in Human Resources Management and Development from the University of La Verne. Recently, I earned my Doctor of Education in Higher Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

 2.       What branch did you serve in and for how long?

I served over 20 years in the Unites States Air Force (USAF) as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist all over the world. I’ve worked on B-52D models, F-15C/D’s, F-16C/D’s, and the F-15E model. I am a Gulf War veteran and recipient of many military honors and distinctions to include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal; the Air Force Achievement medal; the American Defense Service medal; and the Southwest Asia medal. While serving, I became a military instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and achieved the status of Master Instructor.

3.       Before coming to KU, what are some of your more memorable jobs?

I was still on active duty when hired at KU (terminal leave) although I had taught college courses at other institutions while active duty both in the classroom and online. I was a military instructor for over 8 years and the equivalent to a Deans position (Flight Chief) in the USAF at my detachment.

4.      What is your title at KU and how long have you been with the University? 

Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs. I’ve been with KU since 2000. I was initially hired as an Associate Dean then received a promotion to Dean for 9 years prior to my current position.

5.      What associations do you belong to?

Currently the President of the Florida Advisory Council for Military Education (FL-ACME), Board member for the Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists (FAVES), Board member for the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) and currently chairing the Education Committee, committee member for the Council of Colleges and Military Educators (CCME), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

 6.    What should our military students know about your role at KU?

Having used military benefits to obtain my own education, I’ve been in their boots and I understand.  I can emphasize with what it takes to complete a degree while serving or as a Veteran. I used Tuition Assistance (TA) to help defray the costs of my associates to master degrees while active duty and used my GI Bill® to help pay for my doctoral degree as a Veteran while working full time. Facing the challenges of completing school while receiving orders, deploying, or dealing with the demands of serving my country and raising a family, is an experience I fully understand.

I stay current on all legislative aspects of military education to help our students complete their educational goals and ensure KU is there to help our military students overcome barriers and to assist where possible.

7.      What is the one service you want to be sure all military students know KU provides to them?

Our School Certifying Officials (SCO’s) receive extensive training on how to serve our military students. We have a Military Affairs Specialist team on staff comprised of seasoned Veterans to help assist both SCO’s and students in the event of VA or DOD issues.

8.      What distinctions does KU have benefitting military students?

KU looks to service our military students as a whole to include all aspects of a college education. Training is the key for each department to understand how to effectively work with our military students. Our admissions teams receive military training and many of our Directors are Veterans themselves; our Academic teams receive training on every aspect for a student from military transcripts to student issues and resources; our SCO’s are located in the Financial Aid department to make it a one stop shop for our military students; and Student Services provides great assistance for the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapters, job placement services, resume writing skills, leadership opportunities, and graduation accolades.

9.        Any additional thoughts to share?

I am honored to have the opportunity to work with my fellow Veterans in obtaining their educational goals. The majority of our military students are Veterans. Our current population is just under 3,000. Transitioning back to the civilian sector can be cumbersome and at times, difficult. KU is here to help with that transition for our military student’s future success.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.