Military Student Veteran Task Force
The Military Veteran Student Task Force is a team of representatives from across the institution to “serve our military and veteran students and their families through collaborative implementation of innovative initiatives, policies and community partnerships to help these students achieve their educational goals.” (Mission statement)
Meet the Military Student Veteran Task Force
Heather Albin: Strategy Manager, Military & Veteran Services
Heather Albin has been facilitating strategic planning within organizations for the past six years. Prior to joining Ashford University in 2013, Heather was a consultant at SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, one of the Navy’s premier laboratories. Her background in planning and military support serves as a great foundation for her role as Strategy Manager, Military & Veteran Services.
As Strategy Manager, Heather serves as Chair of Ashford’s Military and Veteran Student Taskforce (MVSTF). In this position she oversees military and veteran operations and manages the taskforce’s strategic plan – all in an effort to continues Ashford’s commitment to being a military friendly institution.
Email: Heather.Albin@ashford.edu
Website: www.linkedin.com/in/heatheralbin
Phone: 866.475.0317 21421
Thomas Gilpin: Associate Director Enrollment Services
Thomas started at Ashford as a Military Enrollment Advisor and has had the privilege of bringing a Military Enrollment team back to Denver after many years. He also serves as Ashford’s Denver Representative on the Military Taskforce to expand volunteer efforts and support students and alumni outside of the San Diego area.
Thomas served in the Unites States Marine Corps from 1997-2005 and left active service as a Staff Sergeant 0848, Artillery Operations Chief. He completed a combat tour in the Al-Anbar province of Iraq from 2004-2005. In 2009 he joined the California Army National Guard as a 35G, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst until his discharge in 2016.
Email: Thomas.Gilpin@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gilpin-42987470
Phone: 800.798.0584 16036
Elizabeth Vanausdeln (Betsy): Faculty Support and Development Associate I
Betsy Vanausdeln started at Ashford as an Instructional Specialist, Currently now a Faculty Support and Development Specialist supporting Forbes School of Business. She also teaches as an Associate Faculty for the College of Education.
Having served 8 years in the Air Force in the National Guard as an Aerospace Warning and Control Specialist in Washington State TCS Squadron, while attending college in Idaho from 1986-1993 as a TSgT, she enjoys supporting and advocating for our military. Prior to working at Ashford, Betsy has assisted many students through Veterans Affairs office in Idaho. Assisted the Homeless Veteran’s in Iowa, is proactive in assisting Faculty and Students in their classrooms so both are successful.
Currently she serves as a member of the Public Good, STAND DOWN committee, and Senate Communication ad hoc committee. Betsy assists with the Military CETL page and assists instructors with the best way to assist our military population of students here at Ashford, as well as assisting with the STAND DOWN Event held in San Diego.
Email: Elizabeth.Vanausdeln@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-vanausdeln-45ba2381
Phone: 1-877-241-9893 21302
Ashley Kirwan: Lead Veteran Access and Wellness Counselor
As the Lead Veteran Access and Wellness Counselor, Ashley works to provide support and counseling to military students with service-connected injuries. With a background in Marriage and Family Therapy specializing in trauma-based disorders, she understand the unique needs of servicemembers who may be transitioning out of the military and facing challenges at home and in school. By partnering with students on an individual basis, Ashley is able to work with them to build support around environmental challenges so that they can thrive in school and in their communities.
Email: ashley.kirwan@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kirwan-2630a717?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Phone: 866.974.5700 20761
Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard: Master of Public Health Program Chair College of Health
Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard is an Assistant Professor with Ashford University, where she is the Program Chair for Master of Public Health Program. She is an IFC Accredited Life Coach and holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Services, Management of Nonprofits Specialization from Capella University. She also earned her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Maternal and Child Health from San Diego State University and a Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Marketing from National University. She completed her undergraduate work at San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Psychology.
Dr. Hardy-Shepard has been a member of the Military Veterans Student Taskforce for two-years, providing education and resources for faculty members; fostering student success. As a military spouse, mother, and sister of military servicemen, Dr. Hardy-Shepard has served military families as a Navy Ombudsman and a Navy Alcohol Facilitator in Dunoon, Scotland.
Email: Pamela.Hardy@ashford.edu
Phone: 866-475-0317 21634
Thad Trapp: Divisional Vice President of Enrollment Services
Thad retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of active duty in the infantry. He currently represents Enrollment Services on the Task Force to ensure that Ashford's students who are eligible for military or VA benefits are provided the best service possible during their enrollment process and are supported through their first course.
Thad also assists Sheri Jones on the Defense, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thad has been with Ashford University for 3 years.
Email: Thad.Trapp@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.lindedin.come/in/thadtrapp
Phone: 866.475.0317 16013
Eric Piepenbrink: Associate Vice President of Student Advisement
Eric Piepenbrink serves as the Associate Vice President of Student Advisement. He has worked with Ashford University students in various capacities since 2005. In this current role, Eric works closely with all of Ashford's military student advising teams.
Eric’s role on the MVSTF is to represent Student Services and he works to bring a broad perspective to the task force as well. In addition, Eric now serves as the leadership level member of the Military Student Advisory Council, a group made of advisor level employees from various functions within the institution. It is an honor and a privilege to lead teams dedicated to serving those who serve.
Email: eric.piepenbrink@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-piepenbrink-93897881?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Phone: 888.374.8150 18406
Sstephanie Kinman: Military Development & Engagement Specialist
She achieved her undergraduate degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix (grounds campus) and her MSW with a focus on Military and Veteran Populations from University of Southern California (Virtual Academic Center) in just three and a half years time.
Dedicated to our military student population she brings her education and personal experience, both in the military and in the classroom, to provide resources, community events, and hot topic webinars to the military students at Ashford. She created the Ashford Military Community Newsletter , oversees the CHAMPS Peer Mentor Program for our military affiliated students, and recently kicked off the Military Speaker Series as a means to elevate military cultural competency university wide.
Email: stephanie.kinman@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/stephanie-kinman-msw/b8/30/5b1
Phone: 866-974-5700 20749
Pedro Hernandez: Associate Director, Student Dispute Resolution
As a 9 1/2 US Army Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and previously worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pedro understands the difficulties our military students face when they come home. As dispute resolution professionals, Pedro and his team try to find common ground between the University and the student to address any issues that may have interrupted the student’s academic career so the student can get back to focusing on their studies.
As part of the taskforce, Pedro works to ensure the University is timely and correctly re-mediating persistent issues that may be affecting the military student population.
Email: pedro.hernandez@bpiedu.com
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-hernandez-526312114
Phone: 866.974.5700 11382
Wendy Sickora: Director, Military Education Outreach
Wendy currently serves as the Director for Ashford University’s Military Education Outreach (MEO) team. The MEO team acts as a liaison between the military education community at DoD installations worldwide and the university. The team visits installations to meet with current students, attend education fairs and base graduation recognition ceremonies, and meet with education staff to ensure Ashford students have the support and resources they need to be successful.
She served in the Marine Corps for 21 years, retiring December of 2005. The Marine Corps provided training and experience in many fields from aircraft maintenance, engine testing, career planning, administration, recruiting, to coordinating the Toys for Tots program with the Marine Corps Reserves.
Email: wendy.sickora@ashford.edu
Website: linkedin.com/in/wendy-sickora-seymour-16335537
Phone: 800.798.0584 20202
Bob Eitel: Vice President, Federal Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
Bob Eitel serves as Vice President, Federal Regulatory Affairs & Compliance, where he counsels Ashford University on regulatory matters arising from the U.S. Departments of Education, Defense, Veterans Affairs and other federal departments and agencies. Prior to coming to Bridgepoint Education, Bob served as Vice President of Regulatory Operations for Career Education Corporation. Before coming to CEC, Bob served as Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Education and was in private practice in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana, where he advised educational institutions, accreditation agencies, and advocacy groups and litigated cases in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Born on Quantico Marine Base and raised on USMC installations in Virginia, Florida, and California, Bob is the son of a USMC Lt. Colonel and Vietnam War combat veteran and understands well the special culture that defines our military, as well as the needs of our military students and their families.
LAI ZITOUN, MBA: DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION & MATRICULATION
Lai Zitoun began working at Ashford University on August 30, 2006. She started in the Registrar’s Office as a Matriculation Coordinator and worked her way up to becoming a Quality Assurance Lead, Matriculation Manager, Associate Director of Matriculation, and now working as Director of Admission and Matriculation for almost a year. As the Director of Admission and Matriculation,
Lai is responsible for ensuring the department is compliant with the DOD MOU. The Admission and Matriculation department is in charge of qualifying a student for admission, complete pre-evaluations prior to enrollment, transcript evaluations, and assisting any department with student inquiries. Lai is also Ashford’s point of contact for SOC DNS Partnership, AU-ABC Agreement with the Air Force, GEM-Mobile, and Go Army Ed.
Email: lai.zitoun@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lai-zitoun-b5aa5899
Phone: 866.974.5700 20408
Conan Stanley: Director of Military Financial Services
Conan Stanley serves as the Director of Military Financial Services. He has worked with Ashford University students in financial capacities since 2008. In this current role, Conan works closely with all of Ashford's financial services representatives and specifically oversees the financial processing of all military educational benefits including Department of Defense Tuition Assistance and Veterans Affairs education benefits.
Conan’s role on the MVSTF is to represent Financial Services and he works to make available the experience he has gained throughout his time with Ashford with his colleagues. Conan feels honored to continue serving those who serve by processing their benefits as efficiently and effectively as possible. He does this in the hopes that this will help students to keep their focus where it should be…on their studies.
Email: Conan.Stanley@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conan-stanley-780b12120
Phone: 877.241.9893 20302
Rebecca Davis: Career Services Specialist, Military Liaison
Rebecca has been with Ashford University for six years and in that time has had the unique opportunity to serve as a Military Student Advisor, and now as the Military Liaison within Career Services. Prior to joining Ashford University, Rebecca worked as in the staffing and recruiting industry, specializing in helping separating military member’s transition into the civilian workforce.
The entire Career Services team has the honor of serving our Military student and alumni population. The team strives to partner with our military students and alumni on an individual basis to help tailor their Job Search process to the unique needs of the transitioning service member.
Email: Rebecca.davis1@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaberry
Phone: 866.974.5700 18777
Reyna Brook Sund: Director of Career and Alumni Services (CAS)
Reyna has the honor of leading a team of professionals that empowers students and alumni to discover, develop, and apply their unique talents to achieve professional success. CAS’s vision is to facilitate self-discovery, career development, professional connections and life-long learning opportunities for Ashford's students and alumni.
Part of the strategic plan for the department is to target employers who are actively seeking and hiring members of the military community. Additionally, our career services specialists host military transition webinars to guide individuals through the daunting process of transitioning into the civilian world of work. Reyna is honored to serve as a career resource on the Military Veteran Student Task Force and represent the great work her team does to support the students and alumni of Ashford University.
Email: Reyna.Sund@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynabrooksund
Phone: 866.974.5700 18780
Torrey Herndon: Policy & Project Manager
Torrey Herndon has worked for Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University for nearly nine years. Her background includes Enrollment Services, Student Services, and over seven years of project management experience in University Services & Policy.
Torrey has served as project manager for more than 85 cross functional University projects. She has served as a member of the Military Student Veteran Task Force since its inception in 2009.
Email: torrey.herndon@bpiedu.com
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torreyherndon
Phone: 866.974.5700 20116
Poppy Fitch: Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, ADA/Title IX Compliance Officer
Poppy Fitch is the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, ADA/Title IX Compliance Officer, and was the founding Director of Student Access and Wellness at Ashford University. For more than 20 years, Poppy has worked in community college and university settings in student advocacy and leadership roles. Poppy is Charter Member and Advisor to Ashford’s chapter of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society which recognizes students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments.
Poppy has been with Ashford University since 2008. She was first Chair of the Ashford University Military and Veteran Student Taskforce and continues her membership today. She is an advocate for support services and coordination across departments to best address the educational and psycho-social needs of active duty, veteran and dependent students. Poppy earned her Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling, and is currently a doctoral student in Educational Leadership both at San Diego State University.
Email: Poppy.Fitch@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poppy-fitch-0a947a2a
Phone: 866.974.5700 20702
Jacquie Furtado M.Ed.: AVP, Strategy Management & Engagement
Jacquie Furtado has had the pleasure of providing cross-departmental leadership and support for educational institutions for the last twelve years. Her very purposeful journey has allowed her to collaborate and build consensus with every facet of an institution; helping to ensure organizational strategy is integrated, impactful and student focused.
During her tenure, Ms. Furtado has held leadership roles within Strategic Planning & Management, Academic Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness, and Student Affairs, allowing her to develop and implement integrated strategy development and management solutions, lead student retention strategy, student programming, and have direct exposure and impact to all University departments. Ms. Furtado has experience supporting traditional and non- traditional student populations as well as online and ground modalities and various course delivery models. She currently oversees military and veteran operations and outreach and institutional strategic planning.
Email: Jacquie.Furtado@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiefurtado
Phone: 800.798.0584 21116
Sheri Jones: Senior Vice President of University Services & Strategic Planning
Jones joined the Ashford University team in November 2005. As Senior Vice President of University Services & Strategic Planning, she oversees student-related functional areas, including policy and strategy management, institutional effectiveness, student affairs, registrar functions. She also provides executive leadership to the Military and Veteran Student Services Task force and oversees military and veteran related operations and outreach.
Ms. Jones is Secretary of the Ashford University Board of Trustees and the primary liaison to shared services provided to Ashford University by Bridgepoint Education. Ms. Jones' career in higher education spans more than 25 years. Ms. Jones' career in higher education has been dedicated to providing student services for non-traditional programs focused on meeting the unique needs of adult learners.
Ms. Jones is a member of the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), she also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce: Defense Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and the Economic Development Center Foundation.
Email: Sheri.Jones@ashford.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-jones-21714248
Phone: 866.974.5700 20111
Stephanie Stewart: Director of Financial Aid and Services
Stephanie Stewart serves as the Director of Financial Aid and Services for Ashford University. She has worked with students in a financial aid and services capacity since 2009 where she started at our sister school, the University of the Rockies. In her current role, Stephanie serves as the university’s primary contact for both the Department of Education and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under her leadership is the Director of Veterans and Military Financial Services, whose teams oversee the financial processing of all military educational benefits including Department of Defense Tuition Assistance and Veterans Affairs education benefits financial services teams.
Stephanie’s role on the MVSTF is to represent Financial Services from a policy and compliance standpoint to ensure the university is operating with regulatory guidelines and our students are receiving the best possible service.
Email: stephanie.stewart@ashford.edu
Website: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-stewart
Phone: 866.974.5700 18107