MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) has earned the Collegiate Purple Star designation for its efforts to support and serve veterans and military-connected families.
“I am extremely proud of this designation and the longstanding commitment of WSCO faculty and staff to be supportive and inclusive of military-connected students,” said WSCO’s Vice President of Student Affairs David Hermann. “We appreciate and value the service of our community members with military backgrounds and remain committed to supporting them throughout their educational journey.”
WSCO now stands among 46 colleges across Ohio that have earned the Purple Star designation.
“Washington State College of Ohio is committed to helping veterans and service members navigate the path to their academic and career goals. The college is more than deserving of this Collegiate Purple Star designation,” Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner said.
Ohio is the first state in the nation to establish the Collegiate Purple Star designation for schools that have worked to become military-friendly. 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 servicemembers – 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.
