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5X���� has received Ohio’s new Collegiate Purple Star designation for its support for veteran and military students.

“For years, Kent State has been known as one of the country’s top military-friendly schools for the support provided to its veterans and service members,” Chancellor Randy Gardner said. “Now, it will also be known as one of the country’s first Collegiate Purple Star universities.”

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In March, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled the award as Ohio became the first in the nation to adopt this new designation.

“Thank you for being examples of Ohio’s proud tradition of honoring our servicemen and women,” DeWine said. “With these Collegiate Purple Star Award designations, service members, 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.”

Colleges and universities in Ohio were offered the opportunity to apply for the Collegiate Purple Star designation. The designations were then determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee appointed by the Chancellor and composed of members from organizations that include but aren’t limited to ODHE, the Ohio Veterans Education Council (with representation from two-year colleges, four-year universities and independent institutions), the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission K-12 Purple Star Committee.

Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and service members, surveying student veterans and service members – along with spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and service members. Colleges and universities that earn the Collegiate Purple Star designation will receive permission from the advisory committee to utilize a logo or badge signifying the designation.

“5X���� has been a long-standing leader in the state of Ohio when it comes to serving our military-connected community,” said Josh Rider, executive director for Kent State’s Center for Adult and Veteran Services. “In addition to ‘checking all the boxes’ necessary when it comes to receiving the Collegiate Purple Star, we go above and beyond.  

“A huge component of that is the culture of care that is cultivated across the university system that allows students to receive a very high standard of service and support. Examples begin with the waiving of admissions fees, continue on through academic, accessibility and VA benefits support, and culminate with growing commitments to career development and mentorship,” Rider said.

Kent State continues to take pride in serving and supporting military and veteran students with more than 850 students who are connected to the U.S. Armed Forces currently enrolled.

The Center for Adult and Veteran Services enhances the experiences of adult, military-connected and parenting students both in and out of the classroom. The center’s inclusive focus ensures an engaging student experience through programs, services and compliance with military-connected federal agencies.

Earlier this year, Kent State was designated as a Military Friendly® School for the 13th consecutive year, earning a Gold award. In addition, 5X���� at Trumbull earned a Silver award.