VETERANS AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATORS OF MISSISSIPPI
VAAMS EXECUTIVE BOARD
David Magola, President
Veterans Affairs Benefits Coordinator, University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg Campus)
David Magola was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and is proud to be a Southern Miss graduate.
Although, he has not served in the Military himself, several of his family members have served. This makes David's duty of assisting our Veterans, Service Members and their Families extremely important to him.
David received degrees from Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi.
He enjoys helping people and finds serving Southern Miss as the Senior VA Certifying Official very rewarding.
Aside from assisting our Veterans, Service Members and their Families, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, his two sons, Lucas and Eli, and his extended family and friends, as well as painting, writing music and attending church.
Rhonda Emmons, Vice-President
School Certifying Official/FWS Counselor, Jones College
Rhonda Emmons earned both a B.S. degree in Elementary Education (1997) and M.ED (2004) from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Since 1997, Rhonda has worked with students at the primary, secondary, and post secondary levels of education, both in and out of a classroom setting.
In January 2019, Rhonda joined the Jones College family as the Point of Contact for Veterans, Service Members, and family members with all things related to the military. As the School Certifying Official, she assists students with the request and receipt of any VA or military education benefits they may be entitled to. Whether it’s VA education benefits, the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, VA Work Study, or Tuition Assistance at the State or Federal level, Rhonda is very passionate about her job. She considers it an honor to work with Veterans, Service Members, and their family members.
Rhonda lives in Petal with her husband, Robert. She has four adult children, and one granddaughter that she loves spending time with. Rhonda also loves to read, spend time in nature, and volunteer at Worthy Stables, in Petal.
Jessica Poole,
Secretary
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Financial Aid Counselor,
Northwest Community College
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Jessica Poole has her BA in Applied Psychology with a focus on Human Services from Belhaven University. She has worked in the world of Financial Aid since 2010 for both For-Profit and Non-Profit institutions. She took the role of Director of Financial Aid at Delta Technical College in 2013 and became the VA School Certifying Official. It was at this time she developed a passion to serve veteran students and their family members. Both her father and grandfather served in the Navy as well. In 2016, a position at Northwest Mississippi Community College was presented to her as a Financial Aid Counselor and SCO, where she gladly took it and serves students today. Jessica currently resides in Horn Lake, MS where she enjoys spending time with her many nieces and nephews, following sports, and serving in her church.
Teresa Hill,
At-Large
VA Certifying Official,
Mississippi College
Teresa Hill was born at Keesler AF Base and Mississippi has been her home state ever since. Although she has not served in the military, she comes from a three-generation-strong family of service members, beginning with her father, who had joined the Marines at the onset of the Korean War and is part of the Chosin Few. She has earned degrees at Holmes Community College and Belhaven University. Her contributions to Mississippi College have been in the Registrar's Office since 2017, working with international and NCAA Div II compliance and taking on the VA SCO role beginning summer 2021. Having a heart for customer service, the role of VA SCO has been the most gratifying position she has held, allowing a capacity to serve those who have served as well as those who have supported them. It is a job that feels personal and one that she is compassionate about for this exemplary student population. In her personal time, she is active in the care of her parents, who are in their 90s, as well as meal prepping on the weekends, learning new spices and flavors and practicing holistic methods of wellness.
Shaquita Hopson Alfonso,
2-Year Representative
Associate Director of Military and Veteran Services,
Meridian Community College
Shaquita Hopson Alfonso is the Associate Director of Military and Veteran Services at Meridian Community College. Passionate about enhancing student success, she focuses on improving services for military-connected students and developing innovative programs to help returning students complete their degrees. Shaquita also plays a key role in organizing community resource initiatives and advancing higher education. In her personal time, she enjoys watching TV, spending time with her son, and exploring small towns with her husband while keeping up with the latest in pop culture.
Kimberly Alcorn,
4-Year Representative
Veterans Affairs Benefits Coordinator, University of Southern Miss (Gulf Park Campus)
Kimberly Alcorn is the Director of the Military and Veteran Student Support Center at Jackson State University, where she is dedicated to supporting military-connected students in achieving their academic and professional goals. As a veteran, she is deeply passionate about serving those who have served and takes pride in assisting students at the same institution from which she graduated, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2009. She also holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.
Through her work, Kimberly strives to create supportive pathways for military and veteran students to successfully transition into and thrive within the university environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching television shows, traveling, learning new skills, and spending quality time with friends and family.
LeeQunita Brazzle, At-Large
VA School Certifying Official and Military Benefits Specialist III
LeeQunita Brazzle, BS Psychology, Certified TA
LeeQunita Brazzle brings over 14 years of dedicated service to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where she has made significant contributions across various roles. Currently serving as a School Certifying Official and Military Benefits Specialist III, LeeQunita has a deep commitment to supporting students, particularly those with military backgrounds.
Her diverse experience includes positions as a Financial Aid Specialist, Student Support Representative, and Workforce Specialist, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the academic and financial pathways available to students. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and certification as a Tax Accountant, she is well-equipped to assist students in navigating their educational journeys.
In addition to her current responsibilities, LeeQunita is a Mississippi State Certified Notary and a dedicated SVA Advisor at HC-Campus, showcasing her commitment to serving her community and enhancing the educational experience for all students. With a passion for helping others and a wealth of experience, LeeQunita continues to be a vital asset to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the military students, spouses, and dependences she serves.
Mandy Moore, Treasurer
Financial Aid/VA Certifying Official, Itawamaba CC
Mandy Moore is the Certifying Official at Itawamba Community College. She also works in the Student Aid Office. She has been with the college for eight years. Mandy resides in Fulton with her husband Ben.
Julie Kirk &
Melanie Wigingtion
Conference Chair
Mississippi State University
Coming Soon
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