Contacts & Resources

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.

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.