YSU recognized for support of military students

Youngstown State University has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star campus for its continued efforts to support students with military backgrounds. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, announced the designation at a news conference last week.

“The Veterans Resource Center at Youngstown State is one of the few stand-alone buildings in the country dedicated solely for use by veterans and service members,” Gardner said. “YSU’s dedication to military-connected students is a prime example of what a Collegiate Purple Star school should be.” 

In all, 33 public and private colleges and universities in Ohio received the designation. “With these Collegiate Purple Star Award designations, servicemembers, veterans, and military-connected students are able to pursue higher education knowing that their school has the necessary support system and guidance to help them find their next steps,” DeWine said.

YSU, which GI Jobs magazine has designated a Military Friendly university, opened the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs in 2009, located in the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center on Wick Avenue. The office provides a variety of services for more than 300 military-connected students at YSU.

“Ever since the office was formed in 2009, we have strived hard to make YSU a choice location for military-connected students,” said Rick Williams, retired Army major and associate director of the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs.

Schools on the list must have a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus. Schools also must have priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, survey student veterans and servicemembers about needs and challenges, and allow student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers.