Gamboa Receives Certificate of Appreciation From Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office

The Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office assistant director, Linda Parker, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment officer, Trena Hyde, presented Erika Gamboa, director of the University of Arkansas Veteran Resource and Information Center with a Certificate of Appreciation for her support of the VetSuccess on Campus program. This new program provides on campus support to veterans transitioning to student life. 

“VetSuccess on Campus” is an innovative approach to help Veterans in the often difficult transition from military service to academic life,” said Allison A. Hickey, VA’s under secretary for benefits. “Placing experienced VA counselors directly on college campuses strengthens VA’s partnership with institutions of higher learning and creates myriad opportunities to help Veterans succeed. This expansion triples the number of on-campus VA vocational rehabilitation counselors available to help ease Veterans’ transition to student life and assist them in achieving their educational and career goals through VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill and other education benefit programs. The counselors maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities, referring Veterans as needed for counseling or medical services and providing assistance enrolling in and applying for VA medical and nonmedical benefits.”

Gamboa and her staff are the first contact point for veterans and eligible dependents who are interested in applying to the University of Arkansas. She understands every Veteran has different needs. The multiple services offered through the Veteran Resource and Information Center ensures Veterans benefit from the educational experience and after completion, are able to obtain suitable, gainful employment. The University of Arkansas has been recognized as one of the top universities in the nation who provide services to veterans (U.S. News & World Report). She and her dedicated staff, Juanita Muckleroy, and Robert Ainsley ensure veterans are up-to-date when there are additions and changes to various programs.  She works closely with the Veterans Upward Bound program and its staff – Janelle Bollman, director, and Mark Stypinski, assistant director, which assists veterans with the challenges of entering and succeeding in college through the numerous programs they offer. The VetSuccess on Campus program is another tool for veterans to use and adds to an already successful program implemented by the University of Arkansas through the Veteran Resource and Information Center in large part due to Gamboa's efforts.         

There were numerous universities and colleges in the state of Arkansas that had applied for the opportunity to participate in the VetSuccess on Campus program; however, through her dedicated and selfless behind the scenes efforts, and in coordination with the Northwest Arkansas Community College Director of Veterans Resources, Dianna Portillo, the VetSuccess on campus is now a reality for both campuses. Brian Burgess, VetSuccess on campus counselor, said, “The efforts by Gamboa in her support of the VetSuccess on Campus program have been exemplary and without her efforts the program would not exist in the Northwest Arkansas area.”  The VA Regional Office visitors were extremely impressed with the services provided through the University of Arkansas campus for veterans.