FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Carol A. Altom of Fayetteville, Ark., has been named director of Veterans Upward Bound at the University of Arkansas.

Altom is an alumna of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD who earned a bachelor of science degree in economics and is a graduate of San Diego State University with a master’s in business administration. Following her commission into the Navy, she was stationed in Norfolk, VA as the First Lieutenant and Electrical Officer onboard USS LABOON, a guided missile destroyer and then was the Navigator and Administrative Officer onboard USS LA MOURE COUNTY, an amphibious ship homeported in Virginia Beach, VA. During both tours of duty, she was also the educational services officer assisting active duty sailors enroll in college and earn college credits while still in the military. Altom was also stationed in San Diego for a two-year tour as Assistant Director of Project Handclasp, the Navy’s humanitarian aid program. She was previously the Coordinator of Alumni Affairs and Special Events at J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Keith Brink, the associate director of Pre-College Programs, said, "With her background and strong passion for helping military veterans reach their educational goals, Carol is the perfect person to lead Veterans Upward Bound and a tremendous addition to the entire Pre-College Programs team."

Veterans Upward Bound is funded by the Department of Education as part of the TRIO Programs. The primary responsibility of the director is to provide a program to prepare 120 eligible veterans for a program of postsecondary education including universities, community colleges and technical schools. Services include academic assessment, refresher courses in Math, English, Science, Computer Skills and Foreign Language; career assessments; counseling, study skills development, financial aid workshops and tutoring. Academic classes are currently held in Hotz Hall, on the U of A campus, and at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Little Rock. Eligible veterans have at least 180 days in active duty, a discharge other than dishonorable and a need for academic services. All services are no cost to eligible veterans. This position reports to Brink.

Altom will work closely with local post-secondary admissions offices, including University of Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Community College and Northwest Technical Institute.

"Carol’s extensive experience and desire for student success make her a valuable asset to the office of Pre-College Programs," said Shauna Sterling, associate dean of students and director of Pre-College Programs.

Altom said, "I left the Navy to continue serving the public. This position allows me to do just that and at the same time promote a valuable asset - education."