SRU creates President’s Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs
Slippery Rock University created the President’s Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs, which will advocate on behalf of student veterans and service members in all aspects of university life and further enhance SRU as a military-friendly institution.
March 14, 2018
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University is already recognized as a military friendly institution, but now it has an official presidential commission charged with continuing to enhance the support SRU provides student military veterans and service members. SRU Interim President Philip Way announced today he has formally established the President's Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs. It joins six other existing commissions created by the President's Office that advance the interests of SRU's diverse campus community.
"As a University, we pride ourselves in the unique, supportive experience we provide military veterans and service members," said Way, noting SRU's distinction as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, a veteran-owned company that assists individuals in the transition from active service to civilian life. "The creation of this commission will further assure the University is doing all it can to meet the needs of our veterans and military service students to achieve their educational and career aspirations."
McDOWELL
The PCVMA will advocate on behalf of student veterans and service members in all aspects of University life, from recognizing their service to involving them as engaged participants of the campus community.
"The commission is going to be great because it will make veteran students feel part of the community and develop programs that matter to them," said George McDowell, PCVMA co-chair who works in the University's Enrollment Management Office as the recruitment and retention strategist and veterans certifying official. "It's going to elevate some of the issues that our military students face and support them through the transition from the military to a college setting."
There are more than 100 students at SRU who identify as veterans and an additional 300-350 military-affiliated students who are either reservists, activity duty military, contracted ROTC cadets or dependents in military families.
SRU currently support military veterans through a series of initiatives including: providing dedicated staff who assist student veterans and service members through the admissions and financial aid processes; experiential learning and career placement; and a Veterans Center in the Smith Student Center that partners with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
There are also student organizations at SRU that provide support such as the Student Veterans of America and the Military Support Group. Additionally, SRU recognizes veterans through events during its Military Appreciation Week and its annual Veterans Day celebration.
The PCVMA, which will consist of 20 self-nominated representatives from SRU faculty, administration/staff, students and at-large positions, will also raise awareness and support for alumni who are veterans and partner with external veterans groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu