University Of Findlay Receives Collegiate Purple Star Designation
(From the Ohio Department of Higher Education)
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced that nine colleges and universities in Ohio have had their Collegiate Purple Star designation renewed for continuing their efforts to support students with military backgrounds.
The campuses were in the second cohort of Collegiate Purple Star awardees that received the designation in May of 2023. Schools must apply for renewal after three years.
In addition, the University of Findlay received the Collegiate Purple Star designation for the first time.
“These colleges and universities have all done great work to support their military-connected students,” Chancellor Duffey said. “They recognize that these students may have different needs as they continue their education, and these campuses are committed to making sure the students have the necessary resources to reach their goals and pursue their dreams.”
Colleges and universities that had their Collegiate Purple Star designation renewed are:
Public Campuses
- Belmont College
- Northwest State Community College
- Southern State Community College
- Washington State College of Ohio
Independent Campuses
- Antioch University
- Marietta College
- Mount St. Joseph University
- Walsh University
- Western Governors University
A total of 51 colleges and universities across Ohio have an active Collegiate Purple Star designation.
Ohio became the first state in the nation to offer the Collegiate Purple Star designation when it was launched under the leadership of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in 2022. This award builds upon the work of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to award Purple Star designations to preK-12 schools that have worked to become military-friendly.
Colleges and universities in Ohio are offered the opportunity to apply for the Collegiate Purple Star designation. The designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee, appointed by the Chancellor and composed of members from organizations that include, but are not 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 servicemembers, surveying student veterans and servicemembers – along with spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges, and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers. Colleges and universities that earn the Collegiate Purple Star designation will receive permission from the advisory committee to utilize a signifying logo or badge.
More information on the Collegiate Purple Star program is available online at https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/campus-initiatives/education-for-veterans/collegiate-purple-star.