Rene Rey Ruiz Jr.
Katy,United States
Summary
Dynamic Veteran Affairs Academic Advisor II at Lone Star College, adept at enhancing service efficiency and managing support for over 800 veterans. Skilled in program coordination and crisis intervention, I successfully organized resource fairs and linked veterans with career opportunities, fostering community connections and ensuring academic success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Veteran Affairs Academic Advisor II
Lonestar College
Houston, Texas
01.2015 - Current
- Streamlined triage process for veterans affairs at LSC-CyFair, enhancing service efficiency.
- Managed advising and support for over 800 veterans and dependents each semester.
- Oversaw annual budget for veterans' affairs section, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Coordinated annual veterans resource fairs, facilitating connections between hundreds of veterans and 25+ service organizations.
- Advised veteran students campus-wide, tracking academic progress and success rates.
- Organized campus events for veteran population, strengthening relationships with community agencies.
- Provided career advising, linking veterans with companies seeking skilled military professionals.
- Represented Lone Star College veterans on various committees, meetings, and workshops.
Veteran Affairs Liaison
Lonestar College
Houston, Texas
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Served as primary contact for veteran students on degree planning and benefits, ensuring clarity and accessibility of information.
- Assisted students in navigating eligibility requirements and documentation processes for benefits access.
- Evaluated military learning experiences and certifications for potential college credit recognition.
- Connected veteran students with community resources, enhancing support for their educational needs.
Veteran Affairs Work Study Intern
Lonestar College
Houston, Texas
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Served as primary contact for veteran students, responding to inquiries about benefits through phone, email, and in-person interactions to facilitate understanding and access.
- Collected and distributed veteran-related documentation, streamlining processing by advisors to enhance service delivery.
- Guided degree planning and assigned students to academic advisors based on specific needs.
- Coordinated daily tasks as a veteran affairs work-study intern, supporting operational efficiency in a university setting.
Infantry
United States Army
, US and Global Locations
01.2000 - 01.2008
- Completed over eight years of service in U.S. Army with four combat deployments totaling 44 months.
- Coordinated management of armed forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, ensuring mission success and operational readiness.
- Delivered classified briefings and communications for senior officers during joint combat operations, enhancing strategic decision-making.
- Gained upper-level management experience with 3rd Armored Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Provided strategic management communications and support plans to ground troops and security personnel.
- Developed combat readiness reaction plans and conducted after-action reviews (AARs).
- Supervised direct security for high-ranking officials, including generals, diplomats, and celebrities.
- Oversaw management of resources and personnel valued in millions, safeguarding operational security and mission integrity.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12-2026
B.S. - Criminal Justice
University of Houston, Downtown
HOUSTON, TEXAS12.2015
A.A. - Criminal Justice
Lonestar College
CYPRESS, TEXAS12.2012
Skills
- Veteran support services
- Academic advising
- Enrollment management
- Program coordination
- Workshop facilitation
- Training program design
- Data analysis
- Advisee communication
- Student mentorship
- Communication skills
Accomplishments
- Wounded Warrior Project Peer Mentor
- VFW Post 8790-Veterans of Foreign War Member
- Congressional Certificate of Recognition for Service to Veteran Community
- Military Veteran Peer Network Basic Training Certificate
- Bring Everyone In The In Zone (BEITZ) Training Certificate
References
- Eric Kloss, Command Sergeant Major, United States Army, 785-226-0138
- Dr. Bennie Lambert, Vice President of Student Success, Lone Star College- CyFair, 281-290-3955
- Ashlie Resendez, Dean of Student Success, Lone Star College- CyFair, 281-290-3955
- Mellissa Rosson, Dean of Student Success, Lone Star College - University Park, 281-290-3619
- Eduardo Monsivais, Retired Gunnery Sergeant, Training Coordinator - City of Houston, 832-394-6337
- Schandra Lewis, Academic Advisor II, Lone Star College- Cyfair, 281-290-3490
Timeline
Veteran Affairs Academic Advisor II
Lonestar College
01.2015 - Current
Veteran Affairs Liaison
Lonestar College
01.2012 - 01.2015
Veteran Affairs Work Study Intern
Lonestar College
01.2010 - 01.2011
Infantry
United States Army
01.2000 - 01.2008
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
B.S. - Criminal Justice
University of Houston, Downtown
A.A. - Criminal Justice
Lonestar College