Last week VSU was once again recognized as a military-friendly school by G.I. Jobs magazine for their involvement in educating military veterans.

The national recognition ranks VSU in the top 20 percent among other colleges, universities and technical institutions nationwide.

Dr. Jerry Merwin has always had an interest in helping the military/veteran students at VSU. Promoting the “military friend” policy, some of his work includes the Prior Learning Assessment and adult learners.

The Adult Military Program was established by Dr. Merwin in the summer of 2010. Over 500 students have benefited from this program this semester.

Patricia Hinton, political science professor, points out the high increase of military students in recent years.

“Over the past few years, VSU’s population of military/veteran students has grown significantly,” Hinton said. “Given this increase and the high concentration of veterans in VSU’s service area, Dr. Merwin has been well aware of the necessity to have veteran-specific services at VSU.”

VSU is also adding a new online degree this semester for adults who work active duty military and veterans. Beginning this semester VSU offers bachelor’s degrees in science and organizational leadership.

“The degree will have concentrations in public service, law enforcement leadership, legal office administration, and general office management,” Master Sgt. Mark A. Smith, military and veteran liaison, said.

VSU Student Veterans of America will also be hosting “National Remembrance Day Roll Call,” on Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. During the event, the names of men and women who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom will be read by students.

As of this semester, there are 117 schools in 43 states that will be participating in the event; VSU was the first school in Georgia to volunteer.

Smith also said this event is opened to everyone on campus; students and faculty are welcome to attend. Students and faculty members who know some currently serving duty or have a fallen loved one are also welcome to participate in roll calling. If you would like to participate in calling the names contact Mark A. Smith in Nevins Hall.

For more information about the Adult Military Program (AMP), go to the website at http://www.valdosta.edu/amp/.