Contacts & Resources

Rosana Silva serves as the Acting Director for the Center for Veteran Student Success at Kean University. With more than 10 years of experience in higher education, beginning her career in a One Stop Service Center, Rosana has dedicated her work to supporting student success and helping students navigate their educational journeys. In her current role, she is committed to enhancing the veteran and military-connected student experience through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and student-centered support services.

A proud first-generation college graduate and Kean University alumna, Rosana earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology and her master's degree in public administration (MPA) from Kean. Her personal and professional experiences provide her with a unique understanding of the challenges students may face and fuel her passion for creating opportunities that promote academic achievement, belonging, and personal growth.

Shawn Chester serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Veteran Student Success at Kean University. Shawn earned an Associate Degree in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from Rowan University.

Prior to joining Kean University, he served in the Military Services Office at Rowan University, where he supported veteran and military-connected students through benefits counseling, academic support, and student success initiatives. Before transitioning into higher education, Shawn served ten years in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Army Recruiter, completing two overseas deployments.

Shawn is passionate about veteran advocacy, student success, and creating pathways for military-connected students to achieve their educational goals. He is actively involved in mentoring youth and community service through his church and fraternity. In his free time, Shawn enjoys reading, writing, studying leadership development, and spending time with his family.

Elaine Gargiulo is a member of the Center for Veterans Student Success at Kean University, where she brings with her thirty years of experience working with veterans, service members and their families. Housed in the Jersey City Campus, she holds both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in educational psychology. Her varied background and experiences in both academic and student affairs allow her to provide multiple one stop services for students, along with support for the overall university. She is the former President of the NJ Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NJAVPA), a group of educators and community providers in the state of NJ, dedicated to serving the educational and social needs of the military population. Currently, she continues to network and liaise with various stakeholders in the community to help strengthen the relationships with service providers and better serve the military affiliated population of Kean University and the community at large.

Edgar Arauz is a prior service United States Marine. He serves as an Academic Specialist and one of the lead resources for the Veterans Resource Center and Lounge where he can be found providing support to visiting students. He is currently in his last semester pursuing an Earth Science/Environmental Science degree. Edgar is passionate about the environment, a sustainable future, and supporting his fellow peers to succeed.

Email: aruazed@kean.edu

VA New Jersey Health Care System

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

CALL. TEXT. CHAT

**DIAL 988 & PRESS 1

1-800-273-8255 press 1

Every THURSDAY in Center for Academic Success (CAS) Room 210

Bloomfield Vet Center

Guy Vanterpool

Veterans Outreach Program Specialist

2 Broad Street, Suite 703 Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Tel: (973) 748-0980

Cell: (201) 218-9170

Email: guy.vanterpool@va.gov

VA VITAL

John J. Murray

Case Manager, Post 9/11 M2VA Case Management Program

385 Tremont Avenue (116H) East Orange, NJ 07018

Tel: (973) 676-1000 Ext. 20-2033

Cell: (973) 931-0843

Fax: (973) 395-7053

Email: john.murray3@va.gov

CVSS has a Veterans Lounge!

It is locating in CAS Room 110, hours of operations for the Fall Semester is to be announced!

In our lounge we have:

• Computers
• Printers
• Video Games/Board games
• TV
• Sleeping Cots
• Study Areas
• Couches 
• Snacks
• Student Workers

Please stop in and use the resources there!

**We also provide a virtual lounge on Discord!

Other Resources

• VA Vital
  • Access to Counseling and Disability Resources Weekly
• Peer Mentorship Program
• Food Pantry
• Counseling Center
• Direct Contact with the VA
• Career Services

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.