Kimberly Jones-Ward, school certifying official/benefits counselor in Jackson State’s Veteran and Military Student Support Center in the Department of Student Affairs, was recently elected to the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) as a Region III Delegate for the third time.
“We are continuously striving to enhance our services and support of veteran and military students here at Jackson State University. We are very happy to have Mrs. Ward continue to represent not only our University but our state on the national level,” said Dr. Latoya Reed, director of the Veterans and Military Student Support Center.
Founded in 1975, NAVPA is a nationally recognized organization of program administrators who work for universities and colleges, trade schools and apprenticeship programs throughout the nation to ensure that student veterans are provided the best service and most accurate access to their GI Bill benefits.
As a delegate, Jones-Ward stays informed of all changes the veterans administration makes from year to year and works on initiatives to help improve and enhance the GI Bill. Additionally, she connects with personnel from colleges and universities throughout the nation that serve military student populations.
“I am confident that she will continue to represent Region III well and will provide invaluable input to the United States Veterans Administration on improving the GI Bill and ensuring that our student veterans are provided access to deserving benefits and services,” Reed added.
Although the primary scope of NAVPA is education, the board of directors also works in concert with the U.S. departments of Veterans Affairs, Education and Defense to promote the improvement and development of all opportunities to veterans and their dependents, for their personal growth and fullest potential.
As a member of the NAVPA board of directors, Jones-Ward is in direct contact with these federal agencies, as well as having input with the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Association of College and University Business Officers and other national and regional professional organizations concerning NAVPA’s mission.