Hocking College's commitment to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students reached new heights in 2022 when it was named among the first 33 colleges in Ohio to receive the Collegiate Purple Heart Award, and with Veterans Day being in November, this achievement serves as a timely reminder of the college's commitment to those who have bravely served our nation.
Hocking currently offers numerous resources to assist veteran and military students, helping them every step of the way of their academic journey, including the Veterans Resource Center, GI Bill and education benefits, flexible scheduling, academic advising, and financial aid.
Hocking College's President, Dr. Betty Young, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, "I am honored that Hocking's hard work paid off to receive the Collegiate Purple Heart Award. It is important that we understand the sacrifices our veteran students have made, and we are proud to support them by offering the resources and assistance they need to succeed."
The journey to receiving the Collegiate Purple Heart Award was marked by hard work and diligent effort. Hocking College submitted an extensive application to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, outlining its numerous initiatives to support veterans and military students. The application covered various aspects of the campus, including accessibility, tutoring, and staffing.
The Collegiate Purple Heart Award, instituted by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, acknowledges colleges and universities in Ohio that go above and beyond in supporting military-connected students. Ohio stands as a leader in this regard, being the first state in the nation to introduce such an award in higher education. The state had previously set the standard in 2017 by implementing the K-12 Purple Star Award program.
Hocking College Director of Veterans and Military Student Services Center, Stephen Powell, elaborated on the application process. "We have worked hard to create an environment that genuinely supports our veterans and their families. The application process was rigorous, but it highlighted our commitment to ensuring that the needs of our Veteran students are met at every level."
Looking to the future, Hocking College remains steadfast in its mission to support veterans and military students. The institution is actively planning and initiating further programs and services to ensure that the needs of its veteran student community are continually met.
Powell shared, "Our plans include continuing to support the veteran population and working with other county and state support services to educate and assist them as needed. We are committed to being a reliable resource for all veterans and their dependents."