About Us
Supporting Military Personnel and Veterans in Higher Education
WAVES is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association committed to enhancing services and support for military personnel, veterans, and their families pursuing higher education.
WAVES is open to members from across the U.S. and its territories, with no regional or state limitations on membership.
Francie Wright, 1st Chief of Education, Muskogee RPO
Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 1998
The History of the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES)
WAVES was founded with a shared commitment to strengthening support for Veterans pursuing higher education and training. Its origins trace back to 1996, when Francie Wright, the first Chief of Education at the Muskogee Regional Processing Office, collaborated with the Oklahoma Association of Veteran Counselors and Coordinators to organize the first School Certifying Officials (SCO) training conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Organizers eagerly awaited the first registration, and when it finally arrived, excitement spread—“Someone registered!”—marking the beginning of something special. That first year, nearly 80 SCOs attended, affirming the need for a professional network. A naming contest soon followed, and Leslie Lewis of Tulsa Community College proposed the name that would ultimately define the organization: Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists—affectionately known as WAVES. By 1998, the organization was officially established, with Kay Krasovetz of El Paso Community College serving as its first president and Constitution formally adopted.
The Early Years
In the early years, WAVES conferences held in Oklahoma included a special tour of the Muskogee Regional Processing Office. Attendees experienced a guided bus tour led by SCOs from local institutions, showcasing the beautiful sights and rich history of the area along the way. The visit provided a rare opportunity for participants to meet U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff in person. The VA team warmly welcomed attendees as honorary ‘Sooners’, creating lasting connections and setting the tone for future conferences.
WAVES SCOs Visit Muskogee Regional Processing Office
July 2000
WAVES SCOs "Making WAVES"
Reno, Nevada, July 2025
Growth and Legacy
Over time, WAVES expanded beyond Oklahoma, hosting conferences around the country, including Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, and more. Attendance grew, professional relationships deepened, and the organization’s reach ultimately extended to a national level. Training that was once delivered by the Muskogee VA staff remains at the highest professional standard and is now led by the VA’s National Training Team (NTT).
Today, WAVES serves as the premier SCO association and a national resource for institutions supporting Veterans and their families pursuing higher education and training.