Island University’s Penny Long Earns TAMU System Award for Veteran Support Efforts

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – For her support of the growth, success, and well-being of Islander student veterans and veterans’ issues, Penny Long, verification manager in the office of Student Financial Assistance at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, was recently awarded the 2021 Texas A&M University System Faculty/Staff Veteran Support Excellence Award.

Established in 2019 by the Texas A&M University Office of Veterans Services, the award recognizes employees who make an impact with veteran communities on and off campus. Long has made history by being recognized as the first staff member of the A&M System to receive the honor since its inception.

“So many veterans can thank Penny for helping them navigate their way through a higher education and a new career. Now, we get to thank Penny for her hard work and dedication to those who have served,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.

Nominated by Arthur Montiel, former coordinator of the TAMU-CC Veteran Resource Center for this prestigious award, Montiel says Long’s impact on the success of veteran students is what makes her deserving of the recognition.  

“Her assistance has aided many of our students in creating a more financially stable environment so that their primary focus can be their education,” Montiel said. “Without Mrs. Long, many student veterans would not know about the financial benefits they’re eligible for.”

An employee of A&M-Corpus Christi’s Financial Aid Office for more than 20 years, Long has helped countless student veterans with their career transition by guiding them through the resources and benefits available to them – a process that for many can seem both intimidating and unclear.

Luis Garcia ’22, kinesiology major and US Army veteran, says Long assisted him with exemplary care and dedication following a transfer from Del Mar College to A&M-Corpus Christi.

“Mrs. Long is to be recognized as a leader,” Garcia said. “She made certain I was aware of federal financial aid and followed up, making sure that I applied in a timely manner and received all the aid I possibly could. She also took it upon herself to go beyond and make certain that my daughter was able to utilize all financial benefits available to her as well.”

John Clark ’22, Student Veteran Organization vice president and retired US Navy veteran, is another one of many Islander students who have been helped by Long. When Clark returned to the United States for retirement, it was Long who helped him work through his Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms, along with additional financial paperwork. She then followed up with Clark to make sure his well-being was assured.

“She is a very thoughtful person, and our veteran community is well served by her,” Clark said. “She has gained so much of our respect and trust, so much so that one of the first questions we ask new vets is if they have met Mrs. Long.”

Long says the award came as a complete surprise. In reflecting on her interactions with Islander student veterans through the years, she says her goal has always been to eliminate any financial hurdles they might encounter in their higher education journey.

“I am still trying to process receiving this award because I’m just doing my job,” said Long. “The servicemembers I work with have protected the freedom of this country. When we assist them, we are giving back for the sacrifices they have made.”

As part of the award, a monetary donation will be given to the TAMU-CC Student Veteran Organization to help fund student-focused campus events.

“Veterans have given a lot to this country, and it is important that I assist them in their educational goals,” said Long. “Working alongside student veterans and assist them in the area of financial aid is one of the best aspects of my job.”