A Reno woman who spent more than three decades serving in the military is being recognized by Arizona State University for balancing education, family, and duty to her country.
Col. Jen Kimsey, a member of the Nevada Air National Guard, was honored during ASU’s Salute to Service week, which highlights students and alumni who have served in the armed forces. The event celebrates their achievements in both military service and academics.
Kimsey said pursuing higher education was key to her advancement and leadership. “I try to teach females, whether they're enlisted or officers, whatever age or rank that they are, that you can move forward,” she said. “But you can't move forward without your education.”
Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, who both served in the Navy, Kimsey joined the Air Force and dedicated her career to mentoring and leading others.
While working full-time, raising a family, and serving in the Guard, Kimsey continued her studies through ASU Online, which allowed her to complete coursework from anywhere, even while deployed overseas.
“I was able to work on my degree while deployed to another country and on a completely different time zone,” Kimsey said. “They (ASU employees) want you to be successful and will help you along the way.”
Through a partnership between ASU and Air University, Kimsey earned a master’s degree in military operational art and science as part of the Graduate Professional Military Education program.
“When I retired, I am proud to say I was only one of two female colonels in the Nevada Air National Guard,” she said. “Without my degree, I never would have been able to have that opportunity.”
After 31 years of service, Kimsey medically retired in 2025, proud of the example she set for her children and her community. “I'm very proud of our country,” she said. “I'm very community-based, and so for me, being able to wear the uniform and the pride associated with that, it’s a feeling of doing something different, that I’m adding value to my community and my country.”
ASU’s Salute to Service week recognizes stories like Kimsey’s, showing how education can help those who serve continue to grow long after their time in uniform.
(Meenah Rincon with Arizona State University News contributed to this report.)
