Meet our military education team

Military Education Senior Manager
619-457-2558
lrovere@apus.edu

Loren has been with American Public University System since 2020 and recently relocated to Pensacola, FL from San Diego, CA to continue working with AMU students. She is a student centric leader with over 10 years of experience working in higher education and with the military. Loren has a passion for education and doing what she can to help others and give back to the community.

Loren earned her B.A. from Arizona State University in Business with a Concentration in Communications and her M.A. in Education with a Concentration in Higher Education from Ashford University.

Outside of work, Loren enjoys spending time with her dog Gunnar, baking/cooking, and is an ASU Sun Devil football fan. She also has a passion for traveling and experiencing different countries and cultures throughout the world.

Military Education Senior Manager
MSgt, USAF (retired)
304-919-9561
bmiller@apus.edu

Brian joined American Public University System (APUS) in 2005. Prior to that, he served 25 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7) in the U.S. Air Force. His many responsibilities included work as a Recruiting Service Flight Chief providing leadership, training, guidance, direction, and motivation to an Air Force recruiting team.

Brian earned a B.S. in Human Resources Management from Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, NC. He is an active member of the clergy in community activities and enjoys reading, fishing, working out, and gardening. His leisure past time is watching professional and college football. No. 1 Florida State fan!

Military Education Senior Manager
USMC (retired)
702-882-8429
mwheatley@apus.edu

Michael is a retired Marine. He currently works for American Public University System as a Senior Manager with Military Outreach.

Michael previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration with American Public University. He is currently enrolled at AMU to earn a Political Science degree.

Michael is married to Jennifer with one daughter named Zoeie and a Chiweenie named Monster Leviathan. They live in Las Vegas. In their free time, they attend concerts, baseball games, and run organized races to earn shiny medals.

Military Education Senior Manager
757-335-2779
hsharpe@apus.edu

Heidi joined American Public University System (APUS) in June 2015. She has 16 years of experience working in military/distance education. Her involvement with the military started as the daughter of an Army Sergeant Major and in the role of a Navy wife for 25 years.

Heidi earned her B.S. in Human Services Counseling with a minor in Gerontology from Old Dominion University. In the intervening period of completing her degree, Heidi worked for Fleet and Family Services, providing support to military service members and their families.

Heidi lives in Jacksonville, N.C. In her free time she enjoys traveling, music, spending time outdoors, and meeting new people. She has two grown children, two grandchildren, and a dog Rusty.

Military Education Senior Manager
706-562-3928
aomer@apus.edu

Alyssa joined the American Public University System in 2018 bringing with her over six years of experience in military education. Since 2012, she has worked at the Fort Benning Education Center as an Administrative Support Manager. From there, she accepted a position with Central Texas College as a Site Registrar where she stayed over 3 years, further moving on to become the Site Director for the University of Oklahoma at Fort Benning.

Alyssa earned her AA in Liberal Studies, BS in Business Management, completed two Graduate Certificate programs dealing with Human Resources and Counseling and finally, earned her Masters of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.

Alyssa has been married to her husband of 16 years, and a mother to 5 amazing kids. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, trying new foods, traveling, attending festivals, and reading.

VP, AMU Brand Expansion and Business Development
CMSgt, USAF (retired)
478-390-7202
droby@apus.edu

Dan joined the university he 2005. He retired from the Air Force, serving for 27 years and attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). During his years on active duty he attended 11 different universities, completing two AAS degrees through the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in Human Resource Management and his M.A. in Management at AMU.

In addition to getting great enjoyment out of helping military members achieve their educational goals, Dan loves spending time with his family and watching his grandkids grow up. When not doing that, he spends time riding his bicycle and working on his golf game.

Military Education Senior Manager
1SG, USA (retired)
254-226-5247
ptate@apus.edu

Paul joined American Public University System in 2024. He served over 31 years in the Active Army and Army National Guard, retiring in 2023. He served in various locations throughout his time in service, including deploying in support of Iraqi Freedom. Paul’s duties in the military as a Senior NCO in the Field Artillery included Field Artillery Master Gunner, Battalion Operations, Brigade Operations and First Sergeant. He was assigned to units with both 105mm, 155mm, Rocket, and Missile Artillery with his background in the HIMARS system.

Prior to joining APUS, Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and an Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense with the University of Oklahoma. He continues to volunteer with local and national veteran service organizations to advocate at the state and national level.

Paul’s focus is his family, coaching track, cross country, and working on his golf game. 

Military Education Senior Manager
MSG, USA (retired)
540-336-2872
ebrown@apus.edu

Eddie joined American Public University System in 2017, having previously served 20 years in the Army and his final 12 years within Army Retention.

Before coming to APUS, Eddie worked for five years at the Fort Gordon Education Center as the Troy University representative. He is thrilled to continue his passion of supporting students in the pursuit of their academic and professional dreams.

Eddie graduated from Baker College with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He earned an M.A. in Information Technology Management from Webster University.

Eddie currently resides in Georgia, and when he isn’t representing APUS, he can usually be found walking, traveling, or riding his motorcycle. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, two children and walking his fun-loving beagle, Max.

Military Education Senior Manager
US Army (veteran)
785-684-0830
llancaster@apus.edu

Liz Joined Apus in 2024. She is a United States Army Veteran who served for six years. She was born and raised in rural Minnesota. She has lived in various locations, but now calls Kansas home. 

Liz holds a Masters degree in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University. She also holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southwestern College. Liz has worked in various higher education roles that centered around non-traditional, adult learners. Her passion for higher education stems from being a first generation college student. As a veteran and military spouse, she understands first hand the challenges and rewards that our military connected learners face everyday.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Director, Military Outreach, Central Region
1SG, USA (retired)
210-540-0037
calsleben@apus.edu

Chuck joined American Public University System in 2011. He served over 20 years in the Army as a tank commander, PATRIOT missile & phased array RADAR technician, First Sergeant and operations NCO. Additionally, Chuck spent time as a military science instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fresno State University.

Prior to joining APUS, Chuck earned a Bachelor of Applied Science from Wayland Baptist University, served as Area Operations Manager for Loomis, and worked as an Academic Advisor at Wayland Baptist University.

Both Chuck and his wife Maria enjoy spending time seeking new destinations around the world, and both are avid travelers.

Military Education Senior Manager
757-375-6844
rhhaynes@apus.edu

Rebecca joined American Public University System in 2009. Previously, Rebecca served as an education advisor for the United States Navy and education coordinator for Troy University. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at AMU.

Rebecca originally hails from southeast Ohio and is a graduate of West Liberty State College where she received her B.A. in Business Administration. She received her M.S. in Management from Troy University.

She currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA. During her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her son.

Director, Military Outreach, Eastern Region
USMC (veteran)
304-590-1961
rhassinger@apus.edu

Rob joined American Public University System in 2009 where he started in the student services department before moving to his current position. Rob served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Bulk Fuel Specialist and currently resides in Spotsylvania, VA.

Rob holds a B.S. in Legal Studies and an MBA from American Military University (AMU.) Rob's interests include watching the Baltimore Orioles and spending time with his family and friends. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service in order to help our nation’s service members reach their academic goals.

Military Education Senior Manager
Cell: 720-814-7516/Desk: 703-334-3292

jvdriet@apus.edu

Jack comes from a long line of decorated Military veterans and has a personal understanding of the sacrifice that our soldiers, sailors, and airmen have made to our country. Jack is deeply driven to serve our veterans because they have chosen a career serving us.

Jack joined AMU/APU in 2009. Prior to joining the Military Outreach Team, Jack spent 12 years with the University becoming an expert of transfer credit policy. Jack’s expertise in transfer credit allows him to offer his students unique insight on the transferability of training and education.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication with Concentration in Public Relations and a Minor in Journalism at Radford University in beautiful southwestern Virginia. Jack lives in the Denver area and is married with young children. They are sure to ski as much as possible during the sunny Colorado winters. Jack and his wife are musicians and can be found smiling and performing in the Front Range area.

Military Education Senior Manager
1SG, USA (retired)
915-330-8784
rfavela@apus.edu

Ron joined American Public University System in 2024. He served over 26 years in the Army as a Senior Signal Systems Support Specialist, and as First Sergeant.  He served in various locations throughout his time in service, including deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

After retirement Ron spent time as a middle school teacher in El Paso, Texas, worked at the University of Texas at El Paso Texas in the Military Student Success Center as the Fort Bliss counselor and at University of Maryland Global Campus in the Tuition Planning Department. 

Prior to joining APUS, Ron earned a Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies from University of Texas at El Paso. Ron has had vast involvement assisting and supporting service members, their families, and civilians in pursuit of their higher educational goals.

Ron is married to Anna with four children. They live in El Paso, Texas. In their free time, they spend their time at volleyball games and wrestling tournaments.

University Outreach Senior Manager
USAF (veteran)
907-390-0598
zcooper@apus.edu

Dr. Zayda Cooper joined the American Public University System (APUS) in 2020. She is a veteran with thirteen years of Active Duty service in the United States Air Force as a Public Health Technician. She then went on to work four years with the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services.

She holds a B.S. in Public Health, a Master of Public Health degree from American Military University, and a Doctor of Public Health degree from Capella University.

Currently resides in Delaware.

Military Education Senior Manager
304-620-2762
jwaller@apus.edu

Jill joined American Public University System in 2016. Previously, Jill worked as an Army Education Counselor at Fort Irwin and Camp Victory, assisting service members, veterans, and civilians with all aspects of higher education.

Jill earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Western Governors University. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school in the U.S. and overseas.

She is originally from Southern California but currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. In her free time, she likes to travel, read, paint, and improve her photography skills.

Military Education Senior Manager
385-294-3150
lnyborg@apus.edu

With over 35 years in educational and business administration, Nyborg recently served as Site Director and Graduate Advisor at Fort Richardson, JBER in Anchorage, Alaska.

Nyborg holds a master’s degree in public school administration from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, underscoring her commitment to fostering student success and educational excellence. 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lily enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and biking with her golden retriever, Layla, and values family time while raising two successful children. This diverse experience reflects her dedication to serving communities and enriching educational landscapes.

Military Education Senior Manager
US Army (veteran)
270-780-7620
khales@apus.edu

Kelly has a passion for assisting service members and their family members in reaching their educational goals that spans her 17-year career in military education. 

She joined APUS in 2009, having previously served in the Army as an intelligence analyst and linguist. She has also served in military education advisor and faculty roles at University of Maryland Global Campus. 

She enjoys reading, hiking and camping with her two sons and husband, and participating in activities with her church. She is well versed in the nuances of military life as both an army veteran and a spouse of an army special operations soldier. Born on the 3rd of July, just in time to see the fireworks, she loves all things American!

Military Education Senior Manager
808-384-7172
nbarnes@apus.edu

Nicole joined the American Public University System in 2018 bringing with her over seven years of experience in higher education. Throughout her higher education background, Nicole has had extensive experience assisting and supporting service members, their families, and civilians in pursuit of their educational goals.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from George Mason University. She is currently seeking a Master’s degree in Psychology. Although Nicole has lived in various locations, she has lived in Hawaii for 15 years and currently resides in Honolulu on Oahu.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, spending sunny days lounging in a beachside hammock or indulging in BBQ in the company of friends and family. Outside of her passion for education, she also has a passion for travel and a love of dogs, especially her Boston Terrier, Diesel.

Associate Vice President, Military Outreach, Western Region
USA (veteran)
254-392-9799
tnavarrete@apus.edu

Tonda Navarrete is the Vice President of Business Development and Brand Management for AMU. She and her team are AMU’s frontline representatives in matters relating to partner relationships within public safety, corporate educational partnerships, business to business (B2B), business to government (B2G), and business to consumer (B2C) interactions, veterans’ communities, and service members and their families.

Ms. Navarrete has served at APUS since 2011. She started on APUS’ Military Assistance Team, processing military TA and Veterans Benefits. Always the advocate for military-affiliated students, she became the team’s manager two years later, focusing on process improvement and regulatory compliance relating to the DoD and Veterans Affairs.

In 2014, she was promoted to a leadership role on the University’s Military Outreach Team (MOT) working primarily out of Fort Cavazos in Texas.

Ms. Navarrete is a former U.S. Army Communications Staff Sergeant with eight years of service on Active Duty. Originally from Michigan, she has served in numerous countries, including Germany, Kosovo, Korea, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Ms. Navarrete earned her MBA at American Military University. She has a B.S. in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.

Director, Military Outreach, Western Region
SGM, USA (retired)
304-590-1037
emounts@apus.edu

Ed joined American Public University System in 2010 and serves as a Senior Manager, Military Outreach & the Western States Liaison to National Guard members and Reservists. He retired from the Army having served over 24 years and attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and earned his M.A. in Management from American Military University.He served in various locations throughout his time in service, including deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He enjoys helping all of our service members and transfer students achieve their educational goals. Ed and his family have been all over the world and now happily live in Geronimo, OK, where he had served as the city Mayor. He continues to serve his local communities and the Army through many volunteer organizations, including his appointment to the Army Chief of Staff Retired Soldier Council. Ed’s main focus off-work is always his family; his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and restoring classic cars.