Defiance College named as an Ohio Purple Star Campus

May 26, 2022

Defiance College has been named to Ohio's inaugural list of colleges and universities selected as Purple Star campuses. The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes those Ohio higher education institutions that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.

"Defiance College works hard to make the transition to higher education for veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve a top priority," says Jack Lawson, Defiance College's veteran, transfer, and adult student support coordinator.  "Being honored with the Collegiate Purple Star helps assure members of the military that DC is an accredited school focused on offering a supportive learning environment."

Designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee after evaluation and recommendation. The advisory committee was appointed by Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Randy Gardner 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.

"With everything from success coaches to a Veterans Resource Center, Defiance provides its military-connected students with the tools needed to reach their education goals and transition to the workforce, making it an ideal choice for the Collegiate Purple Star designation," Chancellor Randy Gardner said.

Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and 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.

In addition to being designated an Ohio Purple Star Campus, Defiance College is also a Yellow Ribbon school, has been named a Military Friendly Gold Designation by G.I. Jobs, and is recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its excellent support of military-connected students.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio, offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. DC has created a unique career readiness program called Jacket Journey to help students learn career skills in and out of the classroom. The four pillars of its mission guide the College: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.