Siena Heights University, Jackson College recognized as Veteran-Friendly Schools
ADRIAN — Siena Heights University and Jackson College recently were certified as Veteran-Friendly Schools for the 2023-24 school year.
JC was certified as a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School, and SHU was certified at the a silver-level. This certification was granted by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly School Program recognizes higher learning academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of student veterans and dependents, a news release said. The program awards gold-, silver-, or bronze-level status to institutions that offer veteran-centric services and programs.
To be certified as a Veteran-Friendly School, an institution must meet specific criteria, including having an established process for the identification of current student veterans and having a veteran-specific website. In addition, an institution must have an on-campus veterans’ coordinator or designated staff point of contact as well as the presence of a process to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience.
“This, our seventh such designation, speaks to the dedication of Jackson College to our veterans, service members, and military-connected students,” Randall Locke, JC's veterans resource representative, said in a news release. “As a Michigan Veteran Connector school, Jackson College is a point of contact for all veterans and veteran families. We’re here to ensure people have access to the resources and support they need, whether in the classroom or traveling through life.”
Jackson College offers a dedicated space, the Veterans Resource Center, in Bert Walker Hall. There is a veterans web page (jccmi.edu/veteran-services) and a student organization where students can connect to others with similar experiences.
“It’s an honor to be able to work with our veteran student population and their families to help them achieve their academic goals,” Scott Meek, SHU’s veterans and compliance coordinator, said in the release. “We are constantly working to improve how we can serve veterans and their families so they can focus on their educational experience.”
In addition to recognition from the MVAA, Siena Heights University’s Online Program was ranked 26th in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans category for 2022-23. This was the highest ranking by a Michigan college or university in that category.
“I am incredibly proud of our institution for being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This designation is a testament to our commitment to support our student veterans and military-connected students in their pursuit of academic excellence,” SHU President Douglas Palmer said in the release.
Palmer is a veteran himself, having served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Following his enlistment, Palmer used the G.I. Bill to fund his undergraduate education, the release said.
“At Siena Heights, we understand that transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, and we are here to help our student veterans succeed,” Palmer said. “We are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in their studies and achieve their goals.”
— Contact reporter David Panian at dpanian@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @lenaweepanian.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Siena Heights, Jackson College recognized as Veteran-Friendly Schools
