Missouri State University Oldham Family Veteran Student Center

09/11/2026

The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center was honored to welcome Lieutenant General Charles T. Lombardo, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, and an alumnus of Missouri State University’s ROTC program, along with LTC Kyle Reeves, ROTC Professor of Military Science and Instruction (PMI).

During their visit, LTG Lombardo and LTC Reeves took time to tour the Veteran Student Center and learn more about the services and resources available to Missouri State’s military-connected students.

As a special gesture, LTG Lombardo presented Veteran Student Center Director Raeleen Ziegler with his challenge coin. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome these distinguished military leaders and proud MSU connections to the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation. We remember the lives lost, the families left behind, and the heroes who ran toward danger while others ran to safety. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that emerged from unimaginable tragedy. May we never forget the nearly 2,977 innocent lives taken, the first responders who gave everything, and the countless acts of kindness that followed.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center was pleased to welcome Jose Lopez, a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). During his visit, Jose assisted several military-connected students with questions and support related to their VA claims.

As part of our continued commitment to supporting our military-connected students, a VFW Veteran Service Officer will visit the Veteran Student Center each month to provide assistance and guidance with VA benefits and claims.

Veteran Service Officers are trained and knowledgeable in a wide range of Veterans benefits and can assist with the claims process, follow-up with the VA, and ensuring eligible Veterans and dependents receive the benefits they have earned. Areas of assistance include service-connected compensation, non-service-connected disability pension, education and training, vocational rehabilitation, burial and survivor benefits, health care eligibility, VA Home Loan Guaranty, and other federal and state Veterans benefits.

These services are provided free of charge.

We are grateful to the VFW for partnering with the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center to provide this valuable resource and support to our military-connected students.

09/09/2026

K9s for Camo will be in the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center on Thursday, September 17 from 11:45 - 1 PM.

09/09/2026

🌟 Student Worker Spotlight: Meet Kaleb! 🌟

This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Kaleb Gerdes, one of the awesome student workers who helps make the Veteran Student Center such a great place! 🇺🇸

🎓 Major: Radiography
🏫 Year: Junior
💼 Future Goal: Build a career in the medical field

When Kaleb isn’t busy with school or work, you can usually find him at the gym, spending time with his family, or gaming with friends. 🎮💪

And if you know Kaleb, you know he LOVES cars! 🚗 His whole family shares a passion for anything automotive, and attending car meets together has become one of their favorite ways to spend time together. Whether they’re checking out unique builds, talking cars, or just enjoying the day, it’s a hobby that brings the whole family together.

Kaleb says he’s excited to be part of the Veteran Student Center and looks forward to getting to know the students and veterans who make our center such a special community.

We’re so happy to have you on the team, Kaleb! Congratulations on being our Student Worker of the Month! 🎉🇺🇸

09/01/2026

🥯 A BIG Thank You! 🇺🇸

We want to give a huge thank you to Sara Nimmo, Director of the Magers Health and Wellness Center, for treating the Veterans Student Center to some delicious bagels! 🥯❤️

We truly appreciate your kindness and support for our veteran and military-connected students. Little acts of kindness like this go a long way in making our center feel like home.

Thank you, Sara, for thinking of us and helping us start the day off right! 🇺🇸🎓

We appreciate you! 💙

08/29/2026

⚾️ Take Me Out to the Ball Game! ⚾️

Our team had a great time stepping away from the office and enjoying an evening at the Springfield Cardinals game! 🧢⚾️

It was the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy some baseball, and spend time together outside of work. We’re grateful for the chance to build relationships, make memories, and enjoy a little team time!

A special shout-out to the Missouri State University Staff Senate for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to join in on the fun! ❤️💛 We truly appreciate it!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a fun night! Go Cardinals! ⚾️👏

08/01/2026

🌟 August Student Spotlight 🌟

This month, we’re excited to recognize Marcus for his dedication, positive attitude, and the laughter he brings to the Veterans Student Center!

🇺🇸 Branch: Air Force
🎓 Degree: Master’s in Kinesiology and Communications
🖤🩷 Favorite Colors: Black & Pink
📅 Time at the Center: 2 years
🏋️🎤 Hobbies: Weight lifting and singing
🎄 Favorite VSC Memory: The annual staff Christmas party

Marcus has been a valued member of our team for the past two years, always willing to lend a helping hand and brighten the office with his sense of humor. Known as the office clown, he’s never far from a joke or a laugh, making every day a little more enjoyable for the staff and students around him.

We’re grateful for everything Marcus brings to the VSC and are excited to see all he accomplishes as he continues working toward his master’s degree. Thank you for your service and for being such an important part of our VSC family! 👏🇺🇸

07/17/2026

Welcome to the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center, Scarlet O'Farrell!

Please join us in welcoming Scarlet O'Farrell as the new Office Assistant and School Certifying Official (SCO) for the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center at Missouri State University.

Scarlet is a proud graduate of Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU), where she earned her degree in General Business. She recently retired after an impressive 34-year career with the U.S. Department of Justice, serving in a variety of administrative support roles. Her extensive experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make her a wonderful addition to our team.

Outside of work, Scarlet enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves hiking, biking, kayaking, and gardening. While she jokingly admits she has "no athletic ability," she is an enthusiastic supporter of Missouri State Athletics and enjoys attending MSU football, baseball, and basketball games.

We are excited to have Scarlet join the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center and know her experience, positive attitude, and dedication to serving others will greatly benefit our military-connected students. Please help us give Scarlet a warm Bear welcome!

Raeleen Ziegler
Director

06/09/2026

Are you looking for part-time employment? The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center is seeking a Part-Time Office Assistant to join our team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated group of professionals while supporting military-connected students as they navigate and utilize their educational benefits in higher education.

If you are organized, customer service-oriented, and interested in making a positive impact on the student veteran community, we encourage you to apply.

Assists Assistant Director with GI BILL® certification process through the appropriate systems. Verifies student benefit eligibility for applicable benefits, ensuring the university maintains compliance with all related federal, state, and/or University policies.Receives and routes telephone calls ...