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WAVES Celebrates 30 Years of Impact in Veteran Education
HigherEdMilitary
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In July 2026, the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) marked a major milestone, hosting its 30th annual conference. The organization is celebrating three decades of service, collaboration, and advocacy for military-connected students. What began as a regional training event in Oklahoma has evolved into a nationally recognized network dedicated to supporting veteran education professionals and the students they serve.
WAVES traces its roots back to 1996, when Francie Wright, the first Chief of Education at the Muskogee Regional Processing Office, partnered with the Oklahoma Association of Veteran Counselors and Coordinators to organize the first School Certifying Official (SCO) training conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nearly 80 SCOs attended that inaugural event, demonstrating a clear need for professional development and connection among those working with VA benefits. A naming contest soon followed, leading to the creation of the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists, or WAVES, which was formally established in 1998.
Since then, WAVES has grown beyond its Oklahoma origins. Conferences have been held across the country, attendance has expanded, and the organization has become a national resource for institutions supporting veterans, military personnel, and their families in higher education. Today, WAVES proudly serves professionals from across the United States and its territories. Its mission remains focused on "enhancing services and support for military personnel, veterans, and their families pursuing higher education."
The 2026 conference reflected both the organization's growth and its enduring purpose. More than 500 attendees gathered, representing over 300 colleges and universities from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and America Samoa. WAVES President Jason Garcia of Golden Gate University shared that he was particularly proud of the exhibitors and resources brought together for the conference. "Our goal was to provide attendees with a broad range of resources that strengthen Veterans education and better equip those who serve military-connected students."
Garcia mentions that one of the most encouraging developments this year was the large number of first-time attendees. While many participants were experiencing WAVES for the first time, they quickly discovered what long-time members have known for years: the value of the relationships built through the organization often extends beyond the conference itself.
An attendee who has participated in the WAVES conferences for two decades shared that the 2026 gathering stood out for its strong sense of connection. That sentiment echoed throughout the event as organizers focused on elevating the attendee experience and creating an environment that blended professional development with meaningful connection.
Conference organizers intentionally curated a retreat-style atmosphere that encouraged networking, collaboration, and relationship building alongside educational sessions. While approximately 60 percent of the conference content focused on essential VA training, the remaining 40 percent highlighted broader veteran service topics, allowing attendees to exchange ideas and learn innovative approaches to supporting student veterans on their campuses.
The conference welcomed Kenneth Smith from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with specialized VA trainers who helped deliver high-quality training sessions. Their participation reinforced WAVES' longstanding commitment to providing timely and relevant education for SCOs and veteran service professionals.
Beyond training and professional development, the conference showcased the powerful sense of community that has defined WAVES for 30 years. One notable example involved a group of veterans education professionals who first met through WAVES a decade ago. Although they work at institutions located across the country, they continue to collaborate throughout the year and reunite annually at the conference. Their story serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable outcomes of WAVES are coming together.
Those connections are at the heart of the organization's success. WAVES continues to build resource networks that strengthen veteran services nationwide. Whether attendees make a single new connection or develop partnerships that last for years, the conference consistently demonstrates that participants truly get out of the experience what they put into it.
The 2026 conference placed special emphasis on recognizing excellence. Six individuals were honored through the WAVES Awards for Excellence, celebrating outstanding contributions to veteran education and student support.
Bill Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
Kathy Snyder, New Mexico State Approving Agency
Nelson Chase, University of San Diego
Eric Bemish, Whitworth University
Diana Davis Service Award:
Jeremy Tan, University of California Riverside
Lorrie Hough, Pima Community College
Mary Bridget, Azusa Pacific University
The organization also presented the inaugural John Murray Education Award, established in honor of longtime Washington State Approving Agency leader John Murray, who passed away last year. The award recognizes a student-veteran nominated by WAVES member institutions for outstanding service and achievement and includes a $500 non-tuition-specific cash award. The inaugural award was presented to Kip Beebe of Lower Columbia College, reflecting WAVES' commitment to recognizing student veterans who demonstrate academic excellence and meaningful community service.
The accomplishments of WAVES would not be possible without the dedication of its all-volunteer executive board members: Darcy Schnuth, 1st VP; Firdaus Yusuf, 2nd VP; Rose Tarazi, secretary; Tamara Jadallah, treasurer; Chelsea McElroy, member-at-large; Renee Montilliano, member-at-large, whose year-round efforts make the annual conference and countless professional development opportunities possible.
Thirty years after a small group of professionals gathered in Oklahoma to improve veteran education services, WAVES continues to fulfill that vision nationwide. The next 30 years begin in New Orleans, Louisiana, where WAVES will host its 2027 conference from July 25-29, 2027, continuing its legacy of leadership and commitment to those who serve those who have served.
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