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Angie Louden has been a long-term resident of Macomb, outside of a short term in Vermont. She lives near the campus with her four children and husband, also a WIU graduate both completing her High School and WIU Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration here. Since coming to the Veteran Resources Center, she has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of Active Duty, Reservists, and Veteran students, along with their families; having served the longest of any of the current staff in the center, she is our institutional memory. In addition to working at VRC, she has previously worked in multiple other offices on campus such as the Centennial Honors College, Student Activities, Athletics, and Educational Studies. She enjoys skiing, biking and being outdoors with her family, and has been able to travel to China, Jamaica, and Canada.

Krista Quinn is a Senior at WIU majoring in Middle School Education with a minor in Middle School Science. She graduated from Huntley High School in her hometown of Huntley, IL. Krista enlisted in the Air National Guard back in 2019 and has been in for 5 years. She had gone on a deployment to Africa in 2023 where she was awarded and recognized for her efforts. She plans on continuing her military career after college and possibly going the officer route. While working at the Veterans Resource Center, she hopes to help all veterans make sure they are set up for success while attending WIU. In addition to working at the VRC, Krista is the Transfer Student Organization president, Vice President of internal relations for the university union board, and is part of other clubs as well. In her free time she enjoys working out, painting, volunteering at her local church, and spending time with friends and family.

As Director, working within the Student Services Department, in collaboration with other University departments and community organizations, Ronald Pettigrew leads the Center in coordinating Western Illinois University services and resources in one centralized location to ensure all Veterans and service members are afforded the greatest opportunities for success.

Ronald also continues to serve in the Reserves as a military chaplain, with over thirty years of military experience. As a Chaplain and military officer, he has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Far East, Near East and Pacific with multiple deployments and tours in combat or direct support of those serving in combat. From his military training and experiences, he is a certified trainer in Combat Operation Stress Control, Family Wellness and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings.

Ron previously served for close to ten years as an Academic Advisor at Western Illinois University within the General Studies Degree Program within the School of Global Education and Outreach, previously known as the School of Distance Learning and Outreach. Ron also worked as a Resident Hall Advisor and Director at previous universities he attended and served as a Graduate Advisor in the Multicultural Center and Provost's Office for the First Year Experience and also as a Peer Mentor Coordinator at Western.

Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California (1987), Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois (1996), and Master of Science from Western Illinois University in College Student Personnel (2009).

In higher education and military arenas, he has taught or co-taught courses in Effective Communication, Career Development, Theology, African American Studies, Research, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Urban Ministry, Intercultural and College Student Personnel courses.

Ronald has immense passion for military affiliated students and all things related to the military for that matter. You will find him going the extra mile assisting students, and nothing frustrates him more than military students not fully taking advantage of the resources that are due them. He is a dedicated Reservist, Center Director, father, chaplain, mentor, son, and friend to the people around him. His signature question when he picks up the phone is "How can I be a blessing to you?".

Skyler Funk is a Junior here at WIU majoring in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a double minor in Criminalistics, and Emergency Management. She graduated from GCMS High School, in her hometown of Gibson City, IL. Skyler enlisted in the Army National Guard back in 2019 and has been in for almost 4 years. She plans to continue her military career after graduating college. While working at the Veterans Resource Center, she hopes to help contribute to the success of incoming and current students. In addition to working at the VRC Skyler has been a substitute teacher in her hometown, took part in honors society in high school, and has been a part of many clubs. In her free time she enjoys working out and enjoying time with her friends such as watching a movie, playing card games, or just even doing homework.

Steven Wright is a Junior here at WIU majoring in Agricultural Science and minoring in Cannabis Cultivation. He graduated from Pekin Community High School in 2008 before joining the Army in July 2009. He served 5 years active duty as a Chinese linguist. He is an active member of 5 school clubs, including being a founding member and Treasurer for the Transfer Student Organization. In his free time he enjoys listening to music, fishing, playing or watching sports, playing cards and board games, and walking his dog, LB.

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Sherman Hall / 1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455 USA

Phone: (309) 298-1414
Text Telephone: (309) 298-4444
info@wiu.edu