About Our Office

Nancy Tyson is the Veteran Student Services Advisor. She coordinates efforts across the university’s schools, divisions, and units to effectively serve WashU’s military and veteran community. Nancy is a Marine veteran and a seasoned benefits consultant with over 15 years of experience and proficiency in VA benefits.
Nancy served in the Marines before transitioning out and getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Rehabilitation with a minor in Psychology. She is also certified as an At Risk Youth Counselor. She brings her experiences as a military service member and VA Benefits Consultant to her work with current and prospective students of all backgrounds, including service members, veterans, family members and ROTC cadets.

Elizabeth Byrd is a decorated and highly skilled sailor who was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for her dedication to community engagement and leadership. While in the United States Navy, she lived in Guam where she served 6 years on active duty and today, she serves as a reservist. She is currently completing a dual Master of Social Work and Social Policy degree at the Brown School, focusing on policies that impact the lives of military women and families. Elizabeth earned her BA in Peace and Global Studies with a minor in Spanish from Earlham College.

Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience in community advocacy and project management gained in the United States Navy, AmeriCorps VISTA, and the Habitat for Humanity of Guam. To the Office of Military and Veteran Services, Elizabeth brings her commitment to a global perspective of cultural competence to empower marginalized communities through identity affirming social stewardship. As a VA work study student, she connects with military-affiliated students and the larger university community to coordinate projects that create a more inclusive environment for veteran student engagement.

Ryan McLaughlin served as an enlisted sailor in the Navy for eight years, achieving the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. His first duty station was in Virginia Beach, VA where he deployed twice. First, to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Second, to the Mediterranean in support of counter terrorism operations in North Africa. He served his second enlistment on shore duty working as an aviation supply analyst at Naval Air Station New Orleans. His awards include three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Flag Letters of Commendation, and Sailor of the Year. Ryan received his B.A. in Political Science from Penn State while on active duty and is currently enrolled at the law school. Ryan has a passion for criminal defense and plans to work helping indigent people and those wrongfully convicted. As a VA work study student, Ryan provides administrative support to ensure the office is able to provide high quality resources and support for veteran and veteran affiliated students

Note: Jennifer Goetz is currently on active military leave.

Jennifer Goetz is the Veteran Student Services Advisor and coordinates efforts across the university’s schools, divisions, and units to effectively serve WashU’s military and veteran community. Jen is a veteran social worker, Brown School alumna and Air Force Reservist.

Raised in an Air Force family with both parents serving as career Airmen, she received her commission from the University of Virginia’s Air Force ROTC program and served several years on active duty before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve in 2006. She brings her experiences as a military family member, spouse and service member into her work with current and prospective students of all backgrounds, including service members, veterans, family members and ROTC cadets.