PIQUA — Edison State Community College was recognized with a Collegiate Purple Star Award during a virtual Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) event held on Thursday, May 26.
Coinciding with Military Appreciation Month, the virtual event included representatives from 33 public and independent Ohio colleges and universities and announced the first class of institutions to receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation. Ohio is the first state to adopt such a designation.
“The support services provided for military-connected students through Edison State’s Office of Veterans Services help ease the transition into higher education and set them on a path to career success. Edison State is a worthy recipient of this first-ever Collegiate Purple Star designation,” Chancellor Randy Gardner said.
Unveiled in March of this year, the Collegiate Purple Star Award recognizes public and independent institutions that are “supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.” Interested institutions submitted an application, and the Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee chose the aspiring military-friendly institutions to receive the designation.
To receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation, institutions must be compliant with House Bill 488. Eligible institutions will have implemented the Keys to Veteran Success and Principles of Excellence, completed institutional training on issues that military-connected students may face, and established policies specifically for veterans. Additionally, institutions will have a dedicated space for veteran and service-member students, a written policy to strengthen resources for military-connected students, and have a representative regularly attend Ohio Veterans Education Council (OVEC) meetings.
“Edison State is honored to receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation that denotes our commitment to the support and inclusion of military-connected students,” said Edison State President Dr. Doreen Larson. “Governor Mike DeWine and Chancellor Randy Gardner have led this initiative and place Ohio at the forefront of state systems that acknowledge the sacrifices and underscore the value of service and skills from our currently serving military and our veterans.”
“We view this recognition as another step in assessing our service to our veterans, and we encourage input from our military-connected students regarding ways we can continue to improve,” Larson added.
To learn more about the Collegiate Purple Star, visit www.ohiohighered.org/purple-star.
