Key VMRC Roles
Work-Studies
Our work studies are the first faces that you will see as you arrive in our office. Each of them uses some form of veteran or dependant benefits, so do not hesitate to ask them detailed questions regarding your benefit! Our work-studies are brimming with vet-specific information, and they are the vanguard of our office.
Administrative Roles
Below is a table of our administrative roles. Push the "Click Here" button above each name to read the qualifications and specialties of this VMRC staff member. If you have more particular questions that require specific direction, it will be clear that your message is being given to the correct member of our staff.
As VA Certifying Officers, Chiaki and Vita answer VA education benefit specific questions, are responsible for keeping the VA informed of students’ academic enrollment status, and are able to differentiate between tuition and fee payments from other sources in order to properly certify tuition and fees to the VA. Chiaki certifies students with last names I-Z. Vita certifies all students with last names A-H and all Chapter 31s. Chiaki Ramirezcramirez4@unm.eduVita Preciadovpreciado1@unm.eduVA Certifying Officials(505)277.3181 | As the Director, Alonzo’s main focus is to ensure that student veterans and their dependents are served well at UNM. He is the VMRC’s liaison to the UNM community, including career services, financial aid, admissions, the registrar’s office, student affairs, and the cultural resource centers, to name a few. He directs the daily operations of the VMRC, and is leading the department into a new era of multi-faceted assistance for students who are veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents. He furthers the VMRC’s mission by interacting with faculty, staff and departments on the VMRC’s behalf. Alonzo MaestasDirector(505) 277.3181amaest77@unm.edu | Mia is our liaison from the VA who is well-versed in the VetSuccess and VocReadiness programs. She addresses concerns that have mainly VA implications. More details on these services can be found on our VetSuccess page! Irvine "Mia" PasquierVetSuccess & VetReadiness Counselor(505) 277.1596Irvine.Pasquier@va.gov
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As the Supervisor Student Success, Brandon wears many hats. Brandon promotes academic success for student veterans and their dependents and collaborates with academic advisement centers and other student support areas to ensure student success. Brandon also consults with students using VA educational benefits to ensure they are following program requirements to remain eligible for VA education benefits and graduation, meets with prospective students using VA education benefits regarding educational opportunities, and helps to interpret university and VA policies and requirements regarding VA benefits eligibility. Brandon also manages the work-studies in the office. Brandon LorenzoSupervisor Student Success(505) 277.3181brandonlorenzo1@unm.edu | As the Student Success Specialist, Matt is an integrated advisor. He is responsible for outreach to the university and the community at-large. He ensures that student veterans are aware of the Veteran & Military Resource Center, and that university departments, faculty, staff, and advisors are aware of the services that the VMRC offers, including Green Zone training for faculty and staff. Matt keeps in regular contact with resources available throughout UNM and the community that will help student veterans and their dependents succeed, and keeps an updated list of scholarships student veterans can apply for. Matt McDonaldStudent Success Specialist(505) 277.3181MMcDon@unm.edu | As a Student Success Specialist, Sr. and the Veteran Services Coordinator for the VMRC’s Peer Advisor for Veteran Education (PAVE) Program at the Veteran & Military Resource Center, Jesse promotes academic success for student veterans and their dependents and collaborates with academic advisement centers and other student support areas to ensure student success. Jesse PreciadoStudent Success Specialist, SR.(505) 277.3181jpreciado@unm.edu |
