Chris Piha has gone from being the unofficial point person for veterans to the official coordinator.
Piha, a senior from Carol Stream studying history, began his duties as the new veterans’ coordinator today, filling a new, state mandated position.
Piha said his job would be to make sure veterans know and have access to the multitude of services available to them. Piha said having one central location available for all veterans to receive help would smooth the transition from being in the military to going to school.
“This is a different environment. There’s a lot of structure in the military,” Piha said. “It can be challenging for … someone who’s been in the military for four or six years.”
Interim Provost Don Rice said he wanted to put a veteran into the position, and Piha’s experience helping veterans, along with his background in the Air Force, made him perfect for the job.
“Another thing is that he brings some real compassion,” Rice said. “In my talks with him, it was quite clear that he cares about veteran’s issues and veteran’s success on campus.”
Rice said the position would start out as an extra help position, which means Piha could stay in the role for 900 hours before he has to step down or the position is turned into a full-time position, which Rice said would eventually happen.
Piha said he was excited to have the freedom to create some of the duties the position would have as the first veterans’ coordinator.
“I’m going to be the one kind of starting the novel and then hand it off and train the next person who’s going to be taking the position,” Piha said.
Piha said he graduates in December 2010, so he would hold the position until then at the longest.
Larry Dietz, vice chancellor for student affairs, said Piha would report to Peter Gitau, dean of students.
“It will be a good service for veterans and I think it will be a good opportunity for Chris,” Dietz said. “We’re delighted that he’s opted to stand in, if you will, in this role until we can get it further defined.”
Dietz said a local search would likely begin in January for someone to settle into the position more permanently.
Rice said Piha would be instrumental in laying the groundwork for the position.
“He is more than willing to start increasing the publicity on what’s available, where is it available, where vets can immediately go to learn about the services, and also where they can go to do regular things that students do,” Rice said. “He’s a good choice right now.”
Rice said the salary for the position would come from his office, while any other expenses would come from Dietz’s budget.
Piha said he would be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure veterans make a seamless transition to college.
“I want to be that guy that goes above and beyond,” Piha said. “I want to make sure that, when they get out of the military, they have someone they can call and know is going to take care of them.”
Stile Smith can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 259.
