Kentucky State Approving Agency

04/15/2026

Please help us show appreciation for our April SCO (VA School Certifying Official) of the month, Hazel Baker from Galen College of Nursing!

(1) How long you have been an SCO- I have been an SCO for roughly 16 years of my 18 years in Higher Ed, across 2 IHLs during that time.

(2) Your favorite thing about your job- my favorite thing about my job is knowing I get to help our Veterans/Veteran beneficiaries utilize their hard earned benefits to help them achieve their education and career goals! I enjoy spending time with the teams at our multiple campuses across the U.S., and teaching them how to certify VA education benefits and how to assist their students. Also, I love learning from other SCOs at different IHLs who have so much to share, and hearing perspective from those who have received VA education benefits and learning how our processes as IHLs affect them. I’ll never feel like I know everything, and truly enjoy learning and receiving support from my fellow SCOs, SAAs and ELRs!

(3) Any other fun fact you want to share- Fun fact- I’m a major introvert and enjoy being comfy at home or in small groups with friends!

Hazel is not only an outstanding SCO, but she provided immense help to our agency at this years KASFAA Conference in KY! Please take a moment and say thank you to Hazel, one of the many incredible VA School Certifying Officials that call Kentucky home!

03/19/2026

It was so great to partner with our Tennessee SAA counterparts and participate in the TEAVPA Conference in Mount Juliet, Tennessee!

The Tennessee Educational Association of Veterans Programs Administrators ( ) recently hosted its Annual SCO Conference and invited the Kentucky State Approving Agency (SAA) to partner with the Tennessee SAA as co-hosts for the event. The conference was held in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, from March 11–13. More than 80 School Certifying Officials (SCOs) from both states participated, earning SCO training credit through virtual sessions presented by the VA National Training Team. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration, learning, and professional development.

[left to right: Irina Goodall (TN SAA); Kaleb Cornett (KY SAA); Gwen Hacker (KYSAA); Katie Nixon-Thomas (TN SAA); Penny Starr (TN SAA); Jordan Parrish (TN SAA); and Ken Hanson (TN SAA Director)]

02/10/2026

The Kentucky State Approving Agency is proud to advocate for Veterans Education Benefits in Washington D.C. at our annual NASAA Midwinter Business Training Meeting!

01/28/2026

🚨A reminder to all Chapter 35 Beneficiaries.🚨

Don’t forget! As of January 2026, all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education beneficiaries, including Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, must verify their enrollment each month to receive benefit payments.

When it comes to verifying, you have options for what works best for you – verify via text, email, online, or through Ask VA.

For more information visit: https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/

12/01/2025

An important update for SCOs and Chapter 35 beneficiaries from the VA.

IMPORTANT: Automatic Enrollment Verification for November 2025 Veterans Benefits Administration sent this bulletin at 11/26/2025 10:22 AM EST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a web page. Dear School Certifying Official,The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has automatically verif...

11/18/2025

To all of our SCOs, please be aware of the following information published by the VA. Thank you for all you do!

Important VA Updates for School Certifying Officials Following Government Shutdown Veterans Benefits Administration sent this bulletin at 11/14/2025 04:20 PM EST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a web page. Greetings,With the end of the federal government shutdown, we want to share seve...

11/11/2025

Today we celebrate our veterans! We honor your commitment to this country and its citizens. Thank you for your service!

10/03/2025

For all of our veterans and certifying officials! Please be aware the VA call center hotlines will be closed among other resources during this time. Please review the below plan for proper planning.

This site provides VA Contingency Planning information for employees impacted by government shutdowns and other unforeseen situations.

09/17/2025

A great opportunity for our Kentucky Veterans! Free and open to the public! Mark your calendars!

08/28/2025

We celebrate the opening of this new resource and support center in central KY! An amazing opportunity to help and support our Kentucky Veterans!

On Thursday, Aug. 21, Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA), Lexington Parks and Recreation, and the Lexington Commission on Veterans’ Affairs hosted a ribbon-cutting for Veterans’ Unity Point.

08/07/2025

Did you know? 🧐

Established in 1782 by General George Washington, the Purple Heart is America's oldest military decoration, initially known as the Badge of Military Merit.

07/14/2025

Attention SCOs! The VA will be updating its systems and it may impact your ability to access certain platforms during this period! Please check out the maintenance update below!

Digital GI Bill Updates Veterans Benefits Administration sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 12:00 PM EDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a web page. Dear School Certifying Official (SCO),  As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updates its systems as part of its Digital GI Bill (DG...