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 the University of Texas at Tyler, where he leads efforts to support student veterans, service members, and their families. A U.S. Navy veteran, Coby’s work focuses on improving the academic experience for military-affiliated students. His career in higher education began in 2010 at Tidewater Community College (VA), where he held various roles supporting military students, before continuing his work at Regent University and UC Santa Barbara, where his department earned the Villa Service to Students award. Coby is a certified Clinical Military Counselor and a graduate of Leadership Tyler Class 37, with active memberships in 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.