Today@Sam Article
SHSU Continues Commitment To Armed Forces
June 12, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
Sam Houston State University continued to build on its prestigious reputation in the military community with a recent designation as a Top 10 Military Friendly Institution by Military Friendly. The new Top 10 classification, which represents the 2024-25 academic year, is a higher placement than last year’s Silver status.
Sam was also designated as a Top 10 institution by the website as a Military Spouse Friendly School for the first time.
“Our campus fosters a strong sense of community and belonging for veterans, service members and their families,” said Fernando Chavez, director of SHSU’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC). “These designations highlight SHSU’s dedication to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for our military families.”
Sam’s VRC, located in suite 110 of Academic Building III, has continued its growth in recent years and remains dedicated to helping military-affiliated students navigate their university experience.
Along with offering scholarship opportunities and providing critical information for its veteran and military students, the VRC orchestrates a number of programs to enhance their mission. This includes a free meal kit program and study rooms available to all students, free scantrons and specialized counseling through VetSuccess.
“What entices veterans and military-affiliated students to SHSU is our unwavering dedication to their success,” Chavez said. “Our comprehensive support services, strong community and commitment to excellence make SHSU an ideal choice for those seeking higher education and personal growth.”
Kassandra Infante, a criminal justice major and VRC student worker, is a Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship recipient, which benefits the children of Armed Forces or the Selected Reserve members who died on or after Sept.11, 2001.
“I felt that SHSU’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated students set it apart from other universities. The combination of dedicated resources and a welcoming community made me confident that it would be the right fit for me and my family,” Infante said. “The VRC offers comprehensive veteran services that help military-affiliated students navigate the complexities of higher education and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed.”
Joshua Byrd, a Chapter 31 student, also felt SHSU offered a more caring and comprehensive environment for prospective veteran and military-affiliated individuals.
“When I contacted other schools, they offered ways to help with registration but didn’t talk about their campus or ask specific questions about what I was looking for,” Byrd said. “When I contacted Sam, they actually talked to me, discussed their experiences and put me on with a fellow veteran to ensure I was getting the information from someone in similar shoes as me. This made my decision very easy.”
Furthermore, the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) at SHSU prides itself in producing quality officers fit to serve. The rigorous training to become a future officer covers a wide spectrum, from classroom instruction to field training exercises (FTX) at Gibbs Ranch.
Army ROTC is open to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students at any point in their academic careers. Cadets are eligible to earn a full tuition, fees and book scholarship based on certain criteria.
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