Education office highlights future college opportunities Published May 10, 2012 By Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss 49th Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," said Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa. The importance of education is seen throughout the Air Force, especially with the emphasis placed on Airmen to get a Community College of the Air Force degree. The education office here at Holloman AFB makes helping Airmen and civilians reach their goals a priority. "We may not have as many people and you might not get the answer the same day, but we will do everything in our power to help you reach your goals," said Susan Misener, education office force development flight chief. "We are still all about customer service and we are still here." The education office offers people the guidance and resources needed to reach almost any educational goal - from military personnel who are looking to start college courses for the first time, all the way up to those looking to pursue their master's degree. Holloman AFB's education office is and has been located on the top floor of Building 224 since the building opened. Originally, the entire upper floor of the building was a part of the education office, but as of February, the offices have been consolidated into one location. In the past couple of months there has been slight changes made to the way the office operates. One of those changes includes a mandatory initial counseling briefing offered every Monday and Wednesday at 1p.m. to brief Holloman personnel on all their education benefits and how to obtain their degree. Also, customers now need an appointment to meet with an education counselor. Appointments are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays and Fridays are now the only walk-in days. The education office has four colleges that personnel can attend here on campus; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Park University, New Mexico State University, and Central Texas College. These colleges provide personnel with different options for degree paths and the type of learning environment they want to have. Each college has liaisons that guide students through the process of attending courses and obtaining a degree from that institution. "We are here to support the students by providing different formats and degree options," said Elaine Singley, Central Texas College site director. "None of the colleges are here to compete with each other but to give students as many options as possible." Education for today's Airmen is more readily accessible than ever. To go along with the traditional classroom courses offered, there are accelerated courses, online learning, the College Level Examination Program and DANTES. "We will do what we can to get you where you need to be, and if you are interested in moving on, then we will help you get there," said Misener. For more information on the services provided by the education office, visit the education office, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call (575) 572-3971.