Tony Flores is the program coordinator of Utah State University Veterans Resource Office and a member of Interstate Passport’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee which focuses on the benefits of Interstate Passport for transfer students, especially active military personnel, veterans, and their families–a highly mobile population that often must transfer. In his position, Flores is all too familiar with the story of a veteran student who has had to repeat courses and/or lost credits while transferring, ultimately costing the student more time and money. “Earning a Passport can really benefit the students I work for”, says Flores. Utah State University, one of the founding Interstate Passport Network member institutions, is near a local base and currently serves over 450 veteran students through their Veterans Resource Office. “Since becoming involved with the committee, I have focused on increasing awareness with staff about the benefits of Interstate Passport and how earning a Passport can really help our military students.”
Flores currently sits on the Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs Education and Employment Work Group and is president of the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators. In addition to supporting veterans in his professional work outside of the university, he was recently asked to speak to the Utah Legislature’s Military and Veterans Affairs Commission regarding Interstate Passport and will also be presenting at the Student Veterans of America’s national conference. “The Commission members showed their continued interest and support of veterans’ education during my presentation on Interstate Passport. My goal is to continue the dialogue with commission members and to emphasize that the Interstate Passport program is a pathway to general education transferability.”
Flores served in the United State Army from 1994 through 1997 spending the majority of his time with B Co. 3/75 Ranger Regiment and his final year of service with C Co. 1/503 Infantry Regiment (Air Assault) Camp Hovey, Korea. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts & science from Utah State University.