Phone: 334.494.2301
Email: jgarcia8@nu.edu

Jason Garcia is a U.S. Army retiree, and has worked in Military/Veteran education services since 2016.  Jason’s professional experience includes Education Advisor, Veterans Affairs ECSS and ELR, and VA compliance manager for a Non College Degree School.  His current role is Associate Director of SCOs at National University. Jason’s passion is helping Veterans achieve their educational goals; guiding students to enhance their quality of life through higher education and training.  He strongly believes in the idea that education is the great equalizer, and strives to be a positive example – Jason proudly holds a certificate in Human Resource Management, Bachelor’s in Management, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Herzing University.

Phone: 949.812.7734
Email: schnuthd@ieccolleges.com

Darcy Schnuth currently serves as the Vice President of Student Finance and Records Management at International Education Corporation.  She has 20 years of experience in higher education, starting her career in admissions at an international, multi-site education provider where she eventually worked her way to Regional Director of Finance, overseeing 17 locations.  Darcy earned an Associate Degree in Specialized Business – Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Kaplan University.

Phone: 918.631.3104
Email: robert-kowal@utulsa.edu

Robert Kowal (KO-wahl) proudly serves as the Director of the McKee Veterans Success Center at the University of Tulsa, where he spearheads innovative programming tailored to meet the unique needs of every veteran and military-connected student. He oversees the Calvin C. McKee Veterans Resource Center, a dedicated space on campus, and advises the Student Veteran Association (SVA), known as Oklahoma’s most active SVA Chapter. As a School Certifying Official (SCO), Robert meticulously navigates the complexities of Veterans education benefits, providing crucial support to those leveraging these resources. His impact extends beyond campus as he forges partnerships with veterans’ organizations and military-friendly employers, creating pathways to meaningful careers for student veterans.

With 17 years of his 22-year military career spent at Army Recruiting Command, Robert brings extensive understanding of veterans’ benefits and the unique challenges faced by service members and Veterans. His strategic insights into recruitment and retention strategies drive his advocacy for student retention, offering practical advice and fostering skills that empower Veterans to thrive academically and professionally.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Media, Robert holds a Master of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, demonstrating his dedication to lifelong learning and higher education as a first-generation college graduate.

As 2nd Vice President of the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES), Robert seeks to advocate for student veterans and military-connected students pursuing higher education. Robert is also dedicated to ensuring that professionals and veteran advocates in higher education have access to quality resources, training, and community support, thereby enhancing their ability to support those who have made significant sacrifices for our nation.

Email: yusuff@ieccolleges.com

Firdaus Yusuf is a Senior Education Partnership Specialist at International Education Corporation. With over five years of experience as a School Certifying Official, she has a wealth of expertise to share. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. When she is not helping students, Firdaus enjoys exploring new places, learning new languages, listening to music, and solving puzzles.

My name is Tamara Jadallah, I’m currently an Associate Director at National University of School Certifying Officials that specialize in VR&E and Tuition assistance. Prior to this position, I worked in the Student Business Services Department at National University that prioritized in everything student accounts related. Such as collections, account audits, payments, and knowing how to review ledgers. I also worked at a bank for five years prior to coming to National University. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology and then went on to complete my Masters In Business. I am very numbers oriented, and I enjoy when numbers specially on a ledger matchup.  

Phone: 405.744.6586
Email: chelsea.mcelroy@okstate.edu

Chelsea McElroy is the Coordinator of Military & Veteran Benefit Services at Oklahoma State University.  She has worked in higher education for nine years; the last six specifically with military affiliated students.  Chelsea has earned her Associates, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Master of Science in Psychology from Arkansas Tech University.  Along with her work for military affiliated students at OSU, she is also an adjunct professor at Arkansas Tech University teaching Developmental Psychology and Lifespan Development.  When not helping students, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her family and reading a good book!

I am Renee Montilliano, I have worked in higher EDU at Golden Gate University in San Francisco CA for the last 8 years and as an SCO for 5 years. I am service connected, my father served in the Navy and my husband in the Army.

My husband and I have 3 amazing kids, son is 23, 12-year-old daughter and our youngest a 10-year-old daughter. We also have 3 dogs that pretty much run the house.

We live in Northern California and enjoy the weather. I love planning parties and have many to keep family and friends near. I enjoy DIY projects, however my husband not so much.