Rice Named To State Office
(Press Release 03-09-07)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Donna Rice, Eastern Oklahoma State College’s Assistant Registrar and Veterans Affairs Coordinator, will begin a two-year term as the treasurer for the Oklahoma Association of Veterans Coordinators and Counselors on July 1.

Rice, a 15-year member of the organization, served as the OAVCC Member at Large IHL in 2003-04, but has not held another position until now.

“I was very excited when they elected me,” Rice said. “But, of course, I was a little nervous at the same time.”

OAVCC is an organization of Oklahoma universities and college Veterans Affairs Coordinators who work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans who are furthering their educations through the GI Bill.

“We help our veteran students when they come back (to school) by letting them know what courses they must take in order to receive their VA benefits.”

For this reason, Rice says, the OAVCC exists - to help coordinators stay up-to-date on changes and procedures within the VA, so that students can continue their education after or during their service to the country.

Rice, a self-described ‘Army Brat,’ knows first-hand exactly how much a veteran’s benefits can further one’s life. Rice’s father was killed while in the service when she was 10 years old and, as a child of a veteran, she was able to obtain her education with the help of the GI Bill.

“I feel that I can relate to them. What they (veterans) give for our country is great, and I feel that I am a part of that. I get to help them realize what a great opportunity education is for them.”

OAVCC 2007 officers
President: Tami Garcia, Tri-County Technology Center, Bartlesville
President-Elect: Jan Plavchak, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Immediate Past President: Loma Brannon, Rose State College, Midwest City
Secretary: Kim Seymour, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Sayre
Treasurer: Donna Rice, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton
Member at Large NCD: Janie Prior, Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center Choctaw
Member at Large IHL: Jennifer Williams, Carl Albert State College, Poteau