Kentucky State Approving Agency

09/11/2026

Today, we remember our vow to Never Forget. We honor the memory of those who tragically lost their lives. We stand with the families who courageously move forward. And we remember the brave first-responders who sacrificed their lives for this country.

08/27/2026

SCO SPOTLIGHT:

We want to highlight an exceptional SCO today for her outstanding service to veterans and their families in the state of Kentucky! We honor Carissa Dawn for being selected by students as a Student Champion at the University of Louisville! Her exceptional service in the Center for Military-Connected Students has helped hundreds of students over the years! Congratulations from the Kentucky State Approving Agency!

05/25/2026

Today, we remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

As you participate in all the Memorial Day celebrations, remember the significance of this commemoration. 🇺🇸

05/08/2026

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day 2026! Today, May 8, 2026, we honor the incredible resilience, strength, and dedication of all military spouses. Your support is the backbone of our armed forces, and your commitment does not go unnoticed.

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...