Webster University provides decades of service to Fort Bliss

From left, Rosi Rankin, office manager, Beth Vivaldi, director, and Julie Smith, community relations coordinator. Webster University

Sharon Washington,
Education Services Specialist:

Webster University has served the Soldiers, family members, Fort Bliss and El Paso communities since 1976. This month will commemorate a celebration of 35 years of education service excellence. The school’s faculty and staff located on the Fort Bliss campus are both excited and proud to be part of such a great milestone in the education arena.

Established in 1915, St. Louis, Mo., serves as the home base for Webster University, with 100 campuses throughout the United States and across the globe. It operates as a private, nonprofit regionally accredited university offering undergraduate and graduate education. The local history associated with Webster dates back to its birth with the Sisters of Loretta who established elementary and secondary schools throughout the Southwest as well as two colleges, one of which was Webster in St. Louis. Young girls and women who wanted to pursue their educations were the core of what has evolved into a worldwide program serving as a gateway to all students, male and female, civilian and military, who desire to continue their post-secondary education.

Dr. Beth Vivaldi, director of the Fort Bliss site, has been at the installation for two years, during which time she has seen many changes. She is confident the renowned reputation of Webster will flourish, and its programs will continue to be recognized globally.

“What makes Webster-Fort Bliss distinct from all other colleges is our faculty. We pride ourselves on having the highest caliber of professors who not only have prestigious credentials, but are known within their fields as ‘masters.’”

The curricula offered at Fort Bliss include master’s degrees in counseling, business administration, health administration, management and leadership, human resources development, information technology management, and business and organizational security management. Webster also offers a certification program in government contracting.

Webster University’s Fort Bliss campus celebrates 35 years of service to the Soldiers, family members and surrounding communities. Webster University

During the 35 years that Webster has been in operation, many notable graduates have emerged from its degree programs. Those alumni include the Fort Bliss garrison commander, Col. Joseph A.  Simonelli Jr., the Soldier and Family Assistance Center director, Nancy Thomas-Mainor, and Las Palmas Medical Center CEO Henry Hernandez.

First impressions and follow-up service determine the longevity of schools and their programs at military installations. Webster’s office manager, Rosi Rankin, has been with Webster for the past 23 years and is known by many of the Soldiers and family members to be “the face of Webster.” Rankin is usually the first person to greet students as they enter the doors. She ensures students are genuinely welcomed and made to feel as though Webster is their second home and family.

As community relations coordinator, Julie Smith takes great pride in the daily interactions she maintains with students. She makes it a point to be available to counsel and mentor prospective students on their education and professional endeavors. She feels that “education is the key to opening doors to the future.”

To learn more, call 562-4004.

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