VSU Named to List of '2012 Military Friendly Schools'

VALDOSTA--Valdosta State University has been named a “2012 Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine, an honor it has received for several consecutive years. The national recognition ranks VSU among the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and technical schools nationwide for its service to military members and veterans as students.

In 2010, VSU established the Adult Academic Degree Completion and Professional Development Programs. Using the acronym AMP (Adult and Military Programs) the department was developed to help improve degree completion for adult learners, with particular attention to members of the military and veterans.

Dr. Jerry Merwin, director of AMP, says the focus of the department is to recruit more adult learners, assist with the admissions process, and provide support until degree completion.

“There are many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who need to find employment,” Merwin said. “Those who do not have degrees will benefit from attending college, so that they can improve their education.”

The AMP staff provides resources and guidance to help adult and veteran students succeed in earning a college degree.

“Earning a degree will help the veteran as they transition into civilian life and seek a new career,” Merwin said. “The active duty service members can also help prepare themselves for promotions if they continue their education while they are still serving in the military.”

Starting this semester, VSU began offering a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, with concentrations in public service, law enforcement leadership, legal office administration, and general office management. The online degree was created for working adults, including active duty military and veterans.

“This program is especially beneficial for military students, it allows them to continue their education even during times of deployment,” Merwin said. “It also has options that allow adults to earn college credits for knowledge gained from work experience, professional training, military service and professional certificate programs. The evidence of learning from these experiences is presented in a portfolio that contains sufficient supporting information and documentation to affirm college-level learning.”

For more information on AMP, visit http://www.valdosta.edu/amp/ or call 229-253-2873.