Military and Veterans Success Center

Coby W. Dillard, MA-HSC, CMCC
Director of Military and Veterans Affairs

Coby W. Dillard is the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at UT Tyler, where he is responsible for the university’s efforts to holistically support its population of student veterans, active/Reserve/Guard members, and their families. His work and research focuses on military-related students and their transitions to and through the academic community. A Navy veteran, Coby has written and presented on ways that educational institutions can improve their support services for this unique student population. His higher education career began at Tidewater Community College (TCC) in 2010, where he worked as a VA work-study, financial aid assistant, VA Certifying Official and finally as an academic advisor at the college’s Center for Military and Veterans Education. He continued his work with military-related students at Regent University from 2016-2017 and returned to TCC as its first Veterans Resource Liaison in January 2017. Prior to his arrival at UT Tyler, he served as the coordinator for Veterans and Military Services at UC Santa Barbara, where his department was recognized with the Villa Service to Students award for 2019-20. Coby earned his associate, bachelor's, and master's degree from institutions in Virginia, and also holds a certification as a Clinical Military Counselor. Active within his community, he is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

 

Chris Cox, MSHRD
Coordinator of Veterans Affairs

Chris Cox is the Coordinator of the Military and Veterans Success Center at UT Tyler, where he advises the Student Veterans of America student group, supports the military affiliated population and serves as the student liaison for military affiliated issues. An Army veteran, Chris founded the Student Veterans of America chapter at UT Tyler and was nominated for Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2020. He has presented at different events, served in numerous planning committees and board positions within Smith County. While at UT Tyler, Chris has served on the UT System Vet Advisory Panel, the University Staff Advisory Council 2018-2019, 2016-2017, participated in research conversations for PTSD treatment, and assisted with Veteran Entrepreneurship research. Chris holds an A.S. from Tyler Junior College in General Business, a B.S. from U.T. Tyler in Speech Communication and a M.S. from U. T. Tyler in Human Resource Development. He also holds a certification in addiction counseling from A.A.C.C.

 

Lindsay Villarreal
Military Student Success Advisor

Lindsay Villarreal is a proud Army veteran committed to service and community. After completing her time in the Army, she pursued her passion for understanding the past and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Driven to make a tangible impact, she is now advancing her education by working toward a master’s degree in social work. Her goal is to support and empower individuals and families within the veteran community.