Contact Us
Director, Office of Veteran and Military Services, Texas A&M University System
Col. Gerald “Jerry” L. Smith ’82, USMC (Ret.)
979-845-3161
gsmith@tamu.edu
Col. Smith served for thirty years as a US Marine Artillery Officer, holding six command tours with two combat tours (Iraq 2003 & Afghanistan 2007). Other military assignments included eight years in higher education: three years as the Marine Instructor at Rice and Prairie View A&M; one year instructing at the USMC Command & Staff College; and four years as the TAMU Professor of Naval Science from 2008-2012. He earned a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the National War College, a Master of Science in Military Studies from the U.S. Marine Corps Command & Staff College, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Troy State University. Col. Smith’s Bachelor of Arts is in Political Science from Texas A&M University.
As the OVMS Director, he facilitates support, collaboration and communication between the 11 Texas A&M University System campuses that enroll over 4,500 student veterans and 7,000 military family members. Col. Smith has raised nearly $15 million to support Aggie student veteran scholarships and programs. He received the Congressional Veterans Commendation Award from Congressman Bill Flores (2014), and the TAMU John J. Koldus III Faculty & Staff Achievement Award (2015).
Col. Smith and his wife Cindy ’83 enjoy scuba diving, boating, fishing and spending time with their three granddaughters.
Associate Director, Office of Veteran and Military Services, Texas A&M University System
Monteigne S. Long ‘02
979-458-6355
mlong@tamu.edu
Monteigne Long is a Gold Star wife and military spouse who has been working with student veterans in higher education since 2010, when colleges and universities saw a large influx of Post-9/11 veterans. Prior to joining The Texas A&M University System, Monteigne served as the Veterans Coordinator at Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, CA, and opened the first Veterans Resource Center at California State University, Northridge. She received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Texas A&M University.
As Associate Director, Monteigne facilitates the collaboration and communication among the 11 campuses of the Texas A&M University System that enroll over 4,500 student veterans and 7,000 military family members. Monteigne is an alumna of the 2022 George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. Additionally, she serves on numerous committees and boards. She is the Co-Chair of the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) Veterans Knowledge Community, a member of the advisory board for the Veteran Spouse Network, and an advisory council member for HigherEdMilitary. In 2018, Monteigne received several awards and recognition for her service to the military-affiliated community in California, including Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steve Knight, along with a Commendation from Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kathleen Barger.
Monteigne and her husband, Ron, a Marine Corps Veteran, have a daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time with her family.
Jack Brindle, Veteran Enrollment & Recruitment Graduate Assistant
Rebecca Nelson, Veteran Outreach & Assessment Graduate Assistant
Jack Brindle, ’22, is a Master of International Affairs candidate at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, focusing on national security and diplomacy. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in International Studies. While in undergraduate studies, he was an active member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.
Jack works as the Texas A&M University System Veteran Enrollment and Recruitment Graduate Assistant. In this capacity, he helps manage the System’s Office of Veteran and Military Services social media platforms and assists with veteran enrollment data throughout the System. Jack comes from a family with strong military ties, who have taught him the importance of duty to one’s country and service to others.
With this lesson at heart, Jack is eager to serve the veteran community of the Texas A&M University System. Upon completion of his master’s degree, he aspires to serve the nation in a diplomatic role.
Rebecca Nelson is a Master of Public Service and Administration candidate at the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, concentrating in public management and state and local government. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Texas A&M University.
Rebecca currently works as the Texas A&M University System Veteran Outreach and Assessment Graduate Assistant. In this role, she compiles, tracks, and publishes data surrounding military affiliated students to enhance assessment and programming to promote efficient student success results. Rebecca’s family has a strong military history with both her father and grandfather serving in the Army. They have always encouraged her to recognize and serve those who have served.
Rebecca is passionate about using her developed personal and professional skills to serve her community and hopes to enter the workforce in local government where she feels she can directly make a positive impact on the community.