With the advent of a new GI Bill, in late summer and early fall of 2008, under the direction of President David Sweet, Provost Ikram Khawaja convened meetings to discuss how the university may meet the needs of its military veterans. In attendance were community, campus and prominent university representatives holding veteran status.
Parallel to these meetings several campus veterans and current military personnel met to discuss how the university could best proceed to serve this population. That core expanded to include veterans in our community that hold the best interests of YSU. From this initial group The OVAAC was formed and officially recognized by the university in January of 2009.
The OVAAC is an independent representative body of students, faculty, staff, community and Board of Trustees members. Under the guidance of its first elected chair, Dr. Vern Haynes (Air Force), the Council was essential in the establishment of the OVA, and the elimination of application and orientation fees for military personnel. The council has also established communications with local and federal elected officials who hold ad hoc status with-in the council.
Veterans Affairs Advisory Council: (Click on a person's name for biographical information.)
| Name | Office & Phone | Affiliation | |
| Beebe, Bob | Beeghly 4103 CoE 330-941-2128 |
rjbeebe@ysu.edu | Faculty |
| Hageman, Paul | prhageman@student.ysu.edu | Student | |
| Haynes, Vern | DeBartolo 321 330-941-3401 |
vfhaynes@ysu.edu | Faculty & Chair |
| Meshel, Harry | 330-793-2648 | Board of Trustees | |
| Nunziato, Carl | 330-758-7992 | nunzie5791@aol.com | Community |
| Olekshuk, David | Meshel 412 330-941-3529 |
daolekshuk@ysu.edu | Staff |
| Shepherd, Mike | 330-788-4803 | mashepherd@ysu.edu | Community |
| Welton, Mark | Meshel 401B 330-941-3039 |
mawelton@ysu.edu | Staff |
| Wilmouth, Kyle | kwwusmc28844@netscape.net | Student | |
| Olive, Jim | Tod 310A 330-941-2503 |
jgolive@ysu.edu | Non-member (OVA Coordinator) |