About the Office of Veterans and Military Services
Get to know our office and staff.
Mission Statement
The Office of Veteran and Military Services is dedicated to honoring the service of our nation’s military community by providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources. We facilitate a seamless transition into academic life, foster a sense of belonging, and champion the personal, professional, and educational goals of student veterans and military-connected students to get them to, through, and beyond Ole Miss!
Vision
To be a national leader in empowering student veterans and military-connected students through comprehensive support, academic excellence, and lifelong success beyond Ole Miss.
THE VALUE OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITHIN THE VETERAN AND MILITARY-CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Mental health counseling offers a safe, confidential space to process stress, trauma, and life’s challenges with the support of a trained professional. For military-connected personnel and veterans, seeking help can be complicated by a culture that emphasizes toughness and self-reliance. This often leads to hesitation—or even a sense of personal shame -- despite the very real emotional toll of military service, deployment, and the transition to civilian life or a new environment.
Breaking that silence is a powerful act of STRENGTH.
Counseling empowers individuals to manage stress more effectively, rebuild relationships, and regain a sense of control. It’s not about weakness -- it’s about resilience, healing, and staying mission-ready in every aspect of life. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a commitment to long-term well-being for yourself, your loved ones, and the community around you.
Did you know the Veteran and Military Services (VMS) team has its own dedicated counselor? We do! Christina “Tina” Kepner has devoted her life to the well-being of others. Walking into the VMS building to ask for help is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s a sign of strength and leadership -- especially in a community where setting the example matters.
It’s time to break the stigma surrounding mental health care and it’s time to lead by example -- to make a difference for those who come after us. Change starts with a healthier you.
Tina’s Availability and University Counseling Center Services
Starting August 1, 2025, Tina will be available at the following locations:
- VMS Office: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
- University Counseling Center (UCC), Lester Hall: Wednesdays and Thursdays
To schedule an appointment with Tina, please call 662-915-3784.
Prefer to speak with a different provider? No problem! The University Counseling Center at Lester Hall has licensed mental health professionals available. To make an appointment with any provider, call 662-915-3784.
Need immediate support during office hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)?
Great News! You can walk into the UCC without a scheduled appointment.
24/7 CRISIS HELPLINE
The same number (662-915-3784) also serves as the University Counseling Center’s 24/7 crisis helpline, available to all students, staff, and faculty — including after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.