Patricia M. Ross, Middle Georgia State University's executive director of the Georgia Veteran Education Career Transition Resource Center, or VECTR, is the newest member of the state's Veterans Service Board.
 
The seven-member constitutional board recommends policy, procedure and work projects for the Georgia Department of Veterans Services.  Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Ross in April. Her swearing in takes place May 18 at the Georgia State Capitol.
 
A recently retired Air Force colonel, Ross ended her 25-year military career as vice commander, 78th Air Base Wing, Robins Air Force Base. She is the military liaison for the Georgia Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission and a member of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Air Force Association. Ross earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Tampa, a master’s degree in Systems Engineering Management from St. Mary’s University and a master’s degree in Military Operational Arts and Science from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base. She and her husband, Scott, have four children and live in Warner Robins.
 
VECTR, opening in August, is a partnership between the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System. Middle Georgia State and Central Georgia Technical College are offering educational programs at the center, located in Warner Robins and operated by Middle Georgia State.
 
The 32,000 square-foot facility will serve as a gateway for veterans as they re-enter Georgia's workforce and systems of higher education. Both Central Georgia Tech and Middle Georgia State will work with veterans one-on-one to ensure that Department of Defense training and experience is appropriately recognized as these veterans pursue postsecondary credentials (certificates, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees or master's degrees) through the University System and Technical College systems.
 
The center is located off Georgia Highway 247 behind Huntington Middle School, close to Robins Air Force Base.