Meet the Veteran Team

Ryan Nabors

Regional Base Representative

Last name starts with A-D

Ryan began his career in military education in 2009, when he worked for the federal Veterans Affairs. He was responsible for the payments to colleges and universities for post-9/11 veterans. In 2022, Ryan served as a regional base representative serving the Pacific Northwest for Thomas Edison State University.

Ryan graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. He also attended Troy University for his Master of Science in International Relations with a concentration in National Security Affairs. He pursued his second master’s degree with Thomas Edison State University, where he graduated with a Master of Management in Organizational Leadership.

What He Has to Say

The higher education field is very rewarding and constantly changing. As a former "Coastie," he likes working with students to help them further their education and careers. His favorite job with Thomas Edison State University is conducting outreach and meeting with prospective students. While stationed at TRACEN Cape May, he met a counselor from TESU and that meeting was instrumental in him attending the University.

Jill Hopf

Military and Veteran Enrollment Specialist

Last name starts with E-Z

As part of the dynamic Military Team at Thomas Edison State University, Jill works as a Military and Veteran Enrollment Specialist for prospective and newly admitted Veteran students helping them turn their education dreams into a reality. Jill’s career in higher education began in 2014, after spending the early part of her career as a Middle School teacher in New Jersey and South Carolina. She joined Thomas Edison in 2021 working with NJ Air/Army National Guard students and ran the National Test Center at McGuire Air Force Base. For the past year, Jill worked with the Strategic Partnership Team at Thomas Edison but has returned “home” to the OMVE&O team to again work with Military students.

Jill has an Associate degree in Marketing and Management from Berkeley College and a BA degree in Education from Georgian Court University.

What She Has to Say

It is my honor and privilege to be able to listen and guide our Veteran population through the enrollment process at TESU. Trusting in the process is a big part of achieving peace in your life. In life, we often must go through periods of confusion, uncertainty, and discomfort to achieve what we want. Be open to change and learn from your experiences. The process can be difficult at times, but ultimately, you will achieve all your desires, along with invaluable insights and knowledge.

It is with this in mind that I thank you for considering Thomas Edison State University and hope that I have the privilege of working with you to achieve your academic goals.