Operation College Promise Announces National Advisory Council
Press Release
February 13, 2012
Operation College Promise (OCP) - a nationally recognized program promoting higher education opportunity for veterans, based in Trenton, New Jersey - has tapped a group of national experts to serve on the newly-formed National Advisory Council (NAC). Representatives from across the nation met for the first time at the annual Council of College Military Educators (CCME). The group will provide guidance and strategic support for OCP initiatives including education, policy and research development.
"We are thrilled to have this talented group of individuals contributing to our growing national mission in support of student veteran success. Together, we will continue to support the transition of our nation's military as growing numbers return home and pursue their higher education objectives. The combined leadership and resources of this entity will be invaluable as we continue to shape our growing scope," said Wendy A. Lang, Director, Operation College Promise.
Representatives of the NAC include regional representatives as well as student veterans and leading policy advocates from across the nation. The group will support OCP projects and its evolving mission as a principal advocate for student veteran support services.
"I am honored that I was selected to serve on the National Advisory Council," noted Denise Rodak, Coordinator of Veteran and Military Resources, Montclair State University (NJ). "I look forward to working with professionals from across the country as I continue to advocate for veteran and military students both on the Montclair State University campus and at the national level."
Additional members include:
Bryan Adams, President - Veterans for Education/IAVA Spokesman (Camden, NJ)
Lynette Butler, Coordinator - Veterans Affairs, William Paterson University (NJ)
Logan Cason, Director - Military Education, University of North Carolina, General Administration (NC)
Laurel DelRicci, OCP External Affairs Specialist (NJ)
Kelli Parlante-Givas, Associate Director, Military and Veteran Education - Thomas Edison State College (NJ)
Rochelle Hendricks, Acting Secretary of Higher Education - State of New Jersey (NJ)
Megan Krause, Assistant Director, Military Programs - American Council on Education (Washington, DC)
Louis Martini, Director, Military and Veterans Education - Thomas Edison State College (NJ)
Tom O'Donnell, Assistant Dean of Students - The Richard Stockton College (NJ)
Elizabeth O'Herrin, Veteran/Veterans' Advocate (Washington, DC)
Dr. Randy Plunkett, Director of Community and Government Outreach - Military.com (CA)
John Powers, National Outreach Director - OCP/Operation Vets LLC (CA)
Melanie Schulz - New Jersey Joint Committee on the Public Schools (NJ)
Dr. Katherine Selber, Professor of Social Work - Texas State University (TX)
Kathy Snead, President - Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) (Washington, DC)
Timothy Stroud, Director, Military Affairs Division - Armedzilla (TX)
Operation College Promise (OCP) is a national veterans initiative founded by the nine ASCU state colleges and universities. More information on the project can be accessed at www.operationcollegepromise.com. ASCU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy advocacy organization chartered by law in 1985. Its members are: The College of New Jersey, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Thomas Edison State College and William Paterson University.