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
Financial Aid Counselor,
Northwest Community College
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.
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.
Diego Sotomeneses,
4-Year Representative
Student Experience Coordinator,
Center for America’s Veterans at Mississippi State University
Diego Sotomeneses was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador, but his journey took him far beyond the borders of his homeland. At the young age of 17, Diego made the life-changing decision to travel to the United States, where he later joined the U.S. Army. His dedication and commitment to serving his country led him to retire as a U.S. Combat Veteran.
After retiring from the military, Diego decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University. In 2015, he moved to Starkville, MS from San Antonio, TX, to embark on this new chapter in his life. As a proud Bulldog, Diego immersed himself in campus life and quickly became a valued member of the university community.
Diego's passion for serving others extended beyond his academic pursuits. He served as a Law Enforcement Officer for both the City of Starkville and the Mississippi State University Police Department, where he worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those around him. His dedication to public service did not stop there, as he later joined The Center for America’s Veterans at Mississippi State University.
Diego and his wife, Patrisha, share a deep commitment to supporting veterans through their work at The Center for America’s Veterans and Mississippi National Guard Family Programs. Their combined efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, providing much-needed support and resources to those who have bravely served their country.
In his personal time, Diego finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and children. He takes pride in watching his daughter play soccer, cheering her on from the sidelines with unwavering support and enthusiasm. Diego also enjoys staying active by training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a discipline that keeps both his body and mind sharp.
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.
Vacant,
At-Large
Bio coming soon.
Stacy Henley,
At-Large
Veterans Affairs Benefits Coordinator, University of Southern Miss (Gulf Park Campus)
Stacy L. Henley was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and raised in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Due to Hurricane Katrina she relocated to McHenry, Mississippi with her children Zach and Ryan.
After earning two degrees from Pearl River Community College, Stacy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park.
Stacy joined The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus staff in 1999 as a Financial Aid Clerk in the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. In 2004, Stacy transitioned to the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Specialist and became responsible for certifying VA Educational Benefits for Gulf Park students. Stacy serves with care, compassion and dedication to the student veteran population on the Gulf Park Campus as their Veterans Affairs Benefits Coordinator.
LeeQunita Brazzle, Conference Chair,
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.