Dr. Trisha Ruiz, UST’s senior director of Veterans Services, has been elected to the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) Board of Directors. She will serve as Education Co-Chair and Region VII alternate Delegate.

Dr. Ruiz said, “Organizations such as NAVPA play a fundamental role in the advocacy and protection of military-connected students. I understand the important role they play in ensuring that our veterans receive the education benefits they and their families are entitled to under the GI Bill. As an administrator who works directly and closely with military-connected students, I have the ability to share how policy impacts the student. As a member of the board, I will create initiatives to improve and enhance the GI Bill.”

About NAVPA

Founded in 1975, NAVPA is a national organization made up of program administrators who work for universities, trade schools and apprenticeship programs nationwide. They help ensure student veterans get top service and access to their GI Bill benefits.

NAVPA exists to benefit veterans, and its main mandate is education. However, they also focus on professional development for their members.

Because the NAVPA Board of Directors works closely with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Education, and Department of Defense, Dr. Ruiz will also work with individuals from these groups to promote the improvement and development of all educational opportunities for active duty personnel, veterans and their dependents.

UST Ranks as Military-Friendly Campus

The University of St. Thomas-Houston is ranked No. 11 Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.