University of Phoenix Staff Member Takes On Role with NAVPA to Further Support Veteran Students
Andrea Siegrist-Baez, director of veterans affairs operations at University of Phoenix, has been named to the board of directors of the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA). In her new role with NAVPA, Siegrist-Baez will serve as both the Membership Committee Chair and the Region VII Delegate.
NAVPA has created a network of program administrators like Siegrist-Baez at colleges, universities and trade schools across the country to best serve military service members and veterans who are pursuing college degrees. Through connections with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Defense, the organization ensures that military members and veterans get the educational benefits to which they are entitled, specifically those afforded them through the GI Bill, which helps to cover college costs at approved schools and ensures that schools receiving federal funding adhere to specific guidelines via the Principles of Excellence program.
In her role on the NAVPA Board of Directors, Siegrist-Baez will represent and support the efforts of schools covering a large region known as Region VII, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. “When I first joined NAVPA, it was such a positive experience meeting people who supported student veterans and sharing that energy and passion to help,” said Siegrist-Baez. “I felt immediately that it is a special organization to be part of, a community that is mission-based, and I am proud to now be part of leading their mission.”
Far-Ranging Support for Military Students at University of Phoenix
Siegrist-Baez’ work with military-affiliated students at University of Phoenix is far ranging as the University serves thousands of military members each year who are drawn to online coursework, flexible class times, tuition benefits and other resources for military service members. According to the 2020 Academic Annual Report 21 percent of the student population at University of Phoenix attended the military. In total, there are over 269,600 military-affiliated graduates in the University’s history.
Working in the Registrar’s Office, Siegrist-Baez supports veteran students specifically by reviewing their schedule, courses and enrollment and by submitting enrollment certifications to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “She is a champion for veteran students to have the best possible experience, both here at the University and in the broader NAVPA community,” said John Woods, provost at University of Phoenix.
A University That Puts the Military First
University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 as a higher education option that could meet the needs of working adults, offering flexibility, affordability and skills-focused learning that directly aligned with career goals. The University has remained committed to service members, veterans and their families with reduced tuition rates for active duty military and their spouses, a resource fee waiver for military members and guidance for military-affiliated students in utilizing their G.I. Bill benefits to reduce the cost of tuition.
GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits at University of Phoenix, service members can turn their military skill sets into college credits, reducing the time and cost needed to complete a degree program. Many service members are uniquely positioned to do well in business, having developed crucial skills like teamwork, leadership, management, self-discipline, perseverance and an ability to get things done. In fact, veterans are twice as likely as civilians to own a business according to data from SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, and are 50 percent more likely to own two or more firms than non-veterans.
But the organization also cites education and mentoring as key components of veteran business success. Military service members and veterans interested in becoming entrepreneurs can consider a Bachelor of Science in Management from University of Phoenix and, if eligible, can transfer up to 90 credits toward their degree. In the degree program, students learn to hone their leadership skills and sharpen their focus in operations, strategic planning and performance management. They can also choose from 18 electives that allow them to specialize in business topics relevant to their career goals including human resources, project management, computer applications or managing quality in the supply chain, among others.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners including active military service members and veterans and provides financial support and resources for students to reach their goals affordably. The University offers options that working adults need including numerous scholarship opportunities with one specifically for military families. Students also benefit from flexible schedules, online classes and degree programs leading to high-demand careers. The University’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates helps them more effectively pursue career aspirations while balancing busy lives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
