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Supporting Our Military-Connected Students: A Commitment to Engagement 

At ºÚÁϳԹÏ, meaningful connection is more than a goal — it’s part of who we are. Through the Engage Pillar, a key part of OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy, we’re committed to working alongside our local, regional and national partners to create real impact. One important way we do this is by supporting our military-connected students — including veterans, service members and their families. 

Within Enrollment Management, we’re focused on developing partnerships that make a difference in the lives of military-connected students. That means working closely with organizations such as the following: 

• PreK-12 Purple Star Schools 

• Ohio Department of Veterans Services 

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

• Ohio Department of Higher Education 

• Ohio National Guard 

• Other community and education-focused partners 

Terry St. Peter, director of OHIO’s Brigadier General James M. Abraham and Colonel Arlene F. Greenfield Veterans and Military Student Services Center, leads these important efforts. Terry works to grow and strengthen our external partnerships, ensuring that military-connected students get the support and resources they deserve. 

How We Build Strong Partnerships 

• Outreach and Identification: We cultivate relationships with Ohio’s Purple Star primary and secondary schools to connect with military-connected students early — so we can help them understand their benefits, in-state residency options and what it takes to become a Bobcat. 

• Collaboration Across Teams: Undergraduate Admissions; Enrollment Marketing and Operations; and the Online, Transfer and Credit Services Center collaborate to ensure we are staying current on state and federal policies to better support recruitment, retention and student success. 

• VA Support and Compliance: The Veterans and Military Student Services Center works directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist prospective Bobcats with everything from education benefit applications to certifications and other compliance measures. 

• State and Local Support: The center coordinates with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services on policy development, the Ohio National Guard on education benefits and local veteran organizations to support military-connected students. 

Looking Ahead 

We formalize our partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) where needed and continuous review our efforts to make sure they’re working. This work is essential — and ongoing. And we’re proud to be a university where military-connected students can thrive.