Spring 2024 Military Connected Conference

9:10 to 10:00 AM                               Session I

10:20 to 11:10 AM                             Session II

11:30 to 12:20 PM                              Session III

1:45 PM to 2:35 PM                         Session IV

Ron Allen came to NAU in 2014 after serving in the Marine Corps. While pursuing a bachelors degree, Ron also served as the Veteran Peer Mentor for 3 years until graduating in 2017. After graduating, Ron helped build what became the VetJacks mentoring program before starting a thesis based graduate program in Biological Sciences. Ron’s graduate research explored the ultrastructural and physiological effects on cells after being exposed to depleted uranium shrapnel. After graduating in 2020, Ron returned to NAU, where he manages the Imaging & Histology Core Facility and instructs two courses. In the First Year Seminar – Veteran Integration and Engagement, Ron facilitates student-led learning and self-exploration through discussions on critical thinking and perspective.

LTC James Battle is currently the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science for Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, Arizona; and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, located in Prescott, Arizona.  He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1994 and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in May 2003.  He is a graduate of the Aviation Basic and Advance Course, as well as the Command and General Staff College.

Prior to his arrival to Northern Arizona University, LTC Battle served as the 25th Infantry Division, Chief of Training for the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 Operations at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. 

His previous field grade assignments include Senior Aviation Advisor to the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Director of Aviation Operations, III Corps, Ft. Hood, Tx; G5 Aviation Plans Officer for 2nd ID, Camp Red Cloud, Republic of South Korea; Brigade Operations Officer for 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and Executive Officer for 2-291st Aviation Battalion, 166th Aviation Brigade, Ft. Hood, Texas. 

LTC Battle’s deployments include Operation Joint Guardian, Kosovo and two combat deployments to Iraq with the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade and III Corps. 

LTC Battle’s awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Master Aviator Badge. 

Valeria Chase currently works at NAU as a Program Manager with Government Affairs and Community Relations. Upon graduating from Nogales High School she enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Wheel Vehicle Repairer. Her active duty took her to various places, but being stationed in South Korea was her favorite. Valeria recalls having to wake up before dawn to contact the admissions department of Northern Arizona University (NAU) during their work hours. While studying at NAU, Valeria took on the responsibilities of a Resident Assistant and juggled her weekend military drills with her on-call duties. Reflecting on her journey, Valeria would not change her experience and continues to regard her service in the U.S. Army as the best job she ever had.

Ladaniel Dayzie I’ve been with VMS as their Military Connected Outreach Coordinator in Tucson, AZ.  I cover that portion of Arizona and the Phoenix areas.  I partner with Arizona Junior Colleges to find pathways for military connected students to obtain their four year degrees at NAU.  I work with all military bases and their education support officers.  Within NAU I work with faculty to help transition student into NAU programs (i.e., 90/30 Programs) that are tailored for military connected students.  I am expanding NAU military connected outreach into New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and California.  I am a retired Marine Corps officer with 28 years service. 

Zach Hamilton is a Coordinator in the Department of Veteran and Military services, and an NAU Alumnus. He began working in the Department of Veteran and Military Services in 2014 as a student worker. After graduating with a BS in Political Science, Zach served as a Student Service Coordinator before ultimately moving into the position of Coordinator in Veteran and Military Services. Prior to arriving at NAU, Zach served in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman, in 3rd Battalion 5th Marines.

Scott Heflin, Assistant Director and Lead Certifying Official for Northern Arizona University has 18 years in experience with Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits. His background and knowledge comes from the prior institution he had worked for as the Senior Compliance Auditor for Veteran Affairs at the University of Phoenix. Scott has personally been involved and conducted many state / federal audits throughout the nation. Due to this knowledge Scott has been contacted by multiple institutions within and outside the state of Arizona for guidance and processing procedures.

Christopher Mott is currently an Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at NAU and has 22 years of experience in various roles within higher education. He holds a Bachelor of Science from NAU and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. As the son of a 35 year army veteran, Chris has a dedication and passion for finding pathways for degree attainment for our military connected populations. He currently leads an admissions team that is exploring new ways to maximize military credit for direct NAU credit.

Tim Petty After nearly 17 years of service at Northern Arizona University (NAU), I’ve navigated a dynamic path from advising in Social and Behavioral Sciences to excelling in the Academic Affairs department, leveraging my skills as a business analyst. Now, as a key member of the Enrollment Management team, I drive the integration of technology solutions to enhance NAU’s recruitment strategies.  

Rafael Rojas-Reyes graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and spent six years on active duty as an Intelligence Officer. While stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Rafael served as the Officer in Charge of multiple teams as well as the Senior Intelligence Duty Officer supporting the 612th Air Operations Center (AOC). He also led the AOC’s intelligence efforts for Joint Task Force Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed response to support disaster relief operations in response to Hurricane Matthew that enabled over $8 million in aid to be delivered to Haiti.

Rafael finished his time in the service at the 340th Weapons Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, serving as the Assistant Director of Operations, where he integrated four different career fields to provide leadership for all enlisted members in the squadron. While on Active Duty, Rafael also earned his MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word. He now serves as the Veteran Outreach Supervisor on Pima Community College’s Military and Veteran Services team helping military-connected students achieve their academic goals

F. Cullen Scarborough is the Cochise College Dean of Military Programs and Adult Education. Cullen’s higher educational journey as well as his current leadership position at Cochise College is a direct reflection of the community college mission as well as educational pathway partnerships with Fort Huachuca. Cullen’s journey began when he attended colleges in Mississippi and Texas before joining the Army. While in the Army, he, like many Soldiers, enrolled in courses near his duty stations. While attending military training at Fort Huachuca, he was introduced to the Cochise College MOS program, which helped him to complete an associate of applied science degree by recognizing his previous college credits, credentialing his military training, and awarding a degree specific to his occupational specialty. Later, building on his experience at Cochise College, Cullen earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. As the dean of military programs, he is committed to “paying it forward” and creating educational pathways for Soldiers as they build their military career and, later, transition into civilian life. 

A proud NAU alumna, Gold Axe and President Prize recipient – Cecilia “Ceci” Torres, Academic Program Coordinator-Intermediate, has served in this capacity since October 2018. Ceci brings a wealth of student affairs experience to our team. She presently serves as our Outreach Program Coordinator, connecting with prospective military connected students and assisting with their transition to NAU; she also provides assistance to our School Certifying Officials (SCO), primarily processing concurrent enrollment forms. Ceci has also served students as an Academic Advisor, Sr. at NAU’s Yuma Branch Campus and at Arizona Western College in both the Registrar/Admissions and Career Services departments; and brings a student-centered approach to serving students since 1989. While a civilian, her husband and stepson have served in the U.S. Army.

LTC John S. Westerlund served for 26 years as a U.S. Army field artillery officer, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, and has taught at Northern Arizona University and at the Ecole Supérieure de Guerre in Paris. He is the author of the book: Arizona’s War Town: Flagstaff, Navajo Ordnance Depot, and World War II

Brandon Whiterock talks to high school students about his own interpretation of believing in oneself and has a message about his own past life experiences that high school students should hear before they graduate. His mother, Lori Ann Piestewa, was the first female soldier to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was killed March 23, 2003, when Brandon was a little boy. She left behind two children Brandon and Carla Piestewa. Her name is well known. Piestewa Peak in the metro Phoenix area was named after her. There are the Lori Piestewa Native American Games. The Piestewa family was also featured in the television show, “Extreme Home Makeover.” He realized his mother’s story helps others heal, which uplifts him and shows him how many people his mother’s life impacted. “I want to give back to the veterans, and my ultimate goal is to work for the VA (Veterans Affairs),” he said, adding that he was a student at Coconino Community College who transferred to Northern Arizona University to receive a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.

Meet the Author-  Arizona’s War Town: Flagstaff, Navajo Ordnance Depot, and World War II

Join us for a conversation with LTC John Westerlund USA, Ret. as we explore a portrait of wartime Flagstaff and the implications of its development at that time in history presented in his book, Arizona’s War Town: Flagstaff, Navajo Ordnance Depot, and World War II. This session will be led by LTC James Battle, Professor of Military Science and Senior Instructor for NAU’s Army ROTC

Pathways from a Community College Perspective

In this session, we will explore the value of higher educational partnerships and pathways for the military connected student. We will begin by discussing Cochise College’s partnership with Fort Huachuca and the military community. We will also discuss how we remain initiative-driven and student-focused though a time of military change and uncertainty. Finally, we will discuss an “outsider” perspective on NAU opportunities. We will end our session with an open discussion and questions.

A Case Study -Forming a partnership between Pima Community College and NAU

In this session we discuss ways to continue to formalize Academic Pathways Program NAU has established with Pima Community College.  NAU and PCC have established a partnership where NAU visits each of Pima’s campuses formalized through a coordinated scheduled.  This way students are informed when NAU will be on PCC campuses and are able to get their questions addressed one-on-one regarding NAU programs and other requirements.   Our goal is to have NAU partner with other Arizona Community Colleges and introduce the Academic Pathways as a viable and mutually beneficial option for military connected students.

The Dependent Journey -A Student Panel Discussion with Military Connected Families

Join us for an interactive student panel discussion that focuses on the unique experiences that the spouses and children within military connected communities.  Hear directly from the students regarding the unique challenges they face while pursuing their educational goals.

Mind the Gap: Academic & Social Challenges Faced by Military Connected Students

Student veterans report an age and experience gap between themselves and their traditional student peers. This gap stands out as one of the most common challenges they face during their transition into higher education. With insights gathered from the FYS 131 course as well as survey responses from military-connected students, this session will explore this challenge, how it manifests in the classroom, and how we can foster a more inclusive learning environment.

Student Panel Discussion: The NAU Veteran Voice

Join us for a panel discussion to examine the challenges our students face as they juggle their military and school obligations.  During this session, our students will share insight to their unique experiences and what steps they take in order to succeed while examining steps the university can take to assist our students in reaching their academic goals.  This will include Online, State-wide, and Flagstaff student perspectives.

Admissions with Veteran & Military Services – Partnering for Military Connected Students

As the military students face a number of unique challenges when it comes to starting in higher education. Please join us to learn more about the intentional efforts made by Admissions, in partnership with the Department of Veteran and Military Services, to assist our students in transitioning into NAU.

Academic Advising and the GI BILL

In the Academic Advising and the GI BILL session we will be discussing how students can utilize VA Educational Benefits at Northern Arizona University. We begin the session by discussing the handful of benefits students could be eligible for and how the process works.  The second component will be an overview of how Academic Advising and the many other important departments serve as an essential partners with the Veteran and Military Services.  These key collaborations help maintain proper student reporting and financial stability.  We will end our session with an open discussion and questions with our VA Certifying Official team.