Ryan Hinton enlisted in the Army and reported to Basic Training three days after graduating from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. After completing his initial enlistment Ryan left active duty and joined the Army Reserve to pivot towards a career in education. While in the Reserves, Ryan completed two Masters Degree programs in Education at the University of Notre Dame and worked as a teacher and then as a high school principal. Eventually, Ryan transferred out of the Reserves and into the Connecticut Army National Guard where he served as the State Master Religious Affairs Noncommissioned Officer. In addition to his Chaplain Corps assignment, he volunteered to serve as the Education Service Officer for the Connecticut Army National Guard, while that soldier was out on deployment. He retired after 22 years of combined service in December 2022. Ryan looks forward to serving our Veterans Community in succeeding in their educational aspirations.

Jessika is a United States Marine who served eight years as an Intelligence Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Psychology and is pursuing her master’s degree in Organizational Psychology with the University of Hartford. As a first-generation college student, Jessika understands the unique challenges that face veterans and first-generation college students. Before coming on board with Veterans Upward Bound, Jessika served veterans and their families by volunteering with different Veteran Service Officers. Jessika is excited to be on the UConn team and remains dedicated to ensuring all veterans get the most out of their benefits.