New Staff Join the Veterans Resource Office (VRO)
To help support veterans pursue their educational goals, two new faces have joined the Veterans Resource Office at Utah State University — Tana Beckstead and Rebecca Tyler — as school certifying officials.
“Our main focus is on the students, and through communication, efficiency, and integrity, we will be an asset in making their experience smooth and welcoming,” Tyler said.
In addition to enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the VRO’s new office space — which includes a computer lab and lounge students can come to relax and connect in — one of their goals is to update the VRO webpage to include “accurate and timely information about veterans benefits, the certification process, and the benefits of our office,” according to Tyler, among other vital services to support veterans and their dependents on and off campus.
“I hope to build relationships with our students and support them in any way that I can, but especially by making sure they will receive their benefits in a timely manner,” Tyler said.
Beckstead agreed, and said making a difference in students’ lives and helping students navigate their educational experience is a crucial component of the VRO.
“I enjoy the challenge that comes with assisting students at the Veterans Resource Office and feel our team will do everything they can to make the students become successful in their educational goals,” she added. “We have great support here at the Veterans Resource Office, and we will strive to do our very best to help students understand and utilize their veterans benefits.”
Though they just transitioned to their new roles this spring, both Beckstead and Tyler have quickly acclimated to the move, said Tony Flores, the Veterans Resource Office director.
“Their knowledge and support for military-affiliated students will help the University meet its mission of serving our students,” Flores added. “They want to be available to students and assist them in meeting their educational goals and break down barriers to success."
More information on the VRO can be found at usu.edu/veterans/.