Faamai “Faa” Taupau serves as the Director of the Veterans Support Center at the University of Utah, a position he has held since March 2022. He leads the center’s efforts to support veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military-connected students as they pursue their educational and career goals. Born in Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Faa brings 27 years of military service and leadership experience to the university. He began his Army career in 1999 as an enlisted Field Artillery soldier before earning his commission as a Field Artillery Officer in 2005. Throughout his military career, he held numerous command, staff, and operational leadership positions and completed five deployments supporting military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. He retired in 2026 at the rank of Major. Faa earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern Utah University and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. As Director, Faa oversees programs and services that help military-connected students navigate higher education, access earned educational benefits, build meaningful connections, and prepare for life beyond the military. Under his leadership, the Veterans Support Center has expanded its services, strengthened campus and community partnerships, and significantly increased student engagement. Drawing on his military experience and commitment to service, Faa believes that supporting veterans goes beyond helping them access benefits. It means creating a welcoming environment where students feel valued, supported, and connected to the university community. His leadership reflects the Veterans Support Center's mission to help military-connected students discover their passion, find their people, and fulfill their purpose.

Mario Reeve joins us after serving nearly 30 years in the United States Air Force, 22 of which were on active duty status. He held multiple roles during that period to include Instructor Flight Engineer, First Sergeant, Retention Office Manager, and the Utah Air National Guard Superintendent of Recruiting and Retention. Mario also served as the Sr. Associate Director of the Center for Veteran and Military Services at Westminster University. Mario holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems and a Master of Education with an Adult Learning Focus. He has been married to his wife, Jackie, for 30+ years, and they have three adult children, two dogs, and a crazy parrot.

Angela, the daughter of a WWII veteran, was born in Virginia and raised in Michigan. She moved to Utah with her son to begin working at the U with the National Center for Veterans Studies in 2019 and joined the VSC team in 2020. As a non-traditional student, Angela earned a BS in Business Administration - Management from Emory & Henry College and an MBA in Management and Leadership from Milligan College. She brings with her many years of administrative experience within the academic arena with faculty, staff, and students which also includes experience working with veterans as well as active duty military. Angela is an action movie connoisseur who also enjoys traditional board games, cooking, and singing (in her car and karaoke).

Brittny is an Air Force veteran from Salt Lake City, Utah, and an alumna of the University of Utah. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Human Development & Family Studies, along with several certificates from the U of U’s College of Social & Behavioral Science. During her time at the U, Brittny actively engaged with the university community, starting as a mentor in the Crimson Mentorship Program and later serving as a student representative for the Basic Needs Collective and U Life Mentor. She also took on leadership roles as President of the Crimson Transfer Honor Society and Secretary of the PCUU. Passionate about student support and higher education, Brittny is dedicated to helping students thrive, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting workforce readiness. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters, watching movies and traveling to beaches around the world.

Jason is a Utah native. He has a BS in Psychology along with a Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Utah State University. He was worked for the VA for more than 12 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, and joins us as part of the Vets Success on Campus program sponsored by the VA. He started out working in Colorado Springs, CO and returned to Utah in 2013. Jason is married and has four children.

Aaron was born in northern California, and although his family moved quite a bit due to his father's service in the Navy, he grew up primarily in Virginia Beach, VA. He attended Brigham Young University as an undergraduate majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish, which he speaks fluently. He completed his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Utah State University. He has experience working in a wide variety of clinical settings including the VA hospital. He is excited to serve veterans at the U by providing counseling and facilitating access to VA health programs, including the VITAL program at the VSC. He enjoys exercise, playing soccer and basketball, listening to and playing music, and reading.