In an effort to help military veterans seeking a college degree, Johnson C. Smith University has launched a “veterans’ support hub” in its adult student program, Metropolitan College.
The program is available not only to veterans but to their immediate family members as well, the university announced Tuesday.
Cheryl Curtis, director of Educational Enhancement Services for Metropolitan College, is spearheading the program.
“As the spouse of a veteran, I understand the difficulties that families face when trying to transition from military life to a civilian life while, at the same time, trying to accomplish educational goals,” Curtis said in a statement.
In addition to offering administrative support such as applying for grants and scholarships and offering health and counseling referrals, the center also will be the epicenter of the campus’ recently established chapter of the Student Veterans of America Association (SVAA). The national organization provides military veterans with the resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education.
Michael Coleman, 49, a retired paratrooper who saw combat during three tours in Iraq and who is now a sophomore at JCSU, is one of the leaders in school’s SVAA chapter.
“Sometimes a person needs to talk to other veterans about situations only another veteran would understand,” he said.
Victory Media recently included JCSU in a list of more than 1,400 schools it deems military friendly.
