Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced that Ohio Northern University has been designated as a Collegiate Purple Star campus for its efforts to support students with military backgrounds.
ONU was one of two universities to earn the latest Collegiate Purple Star Award, bringing the total number of schools that have earned the designation to 53.
“Congratulations to these universities on becoming the latest to earn the Collegiate Purple Star,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By providing essential resources to ensure military-connected students can pursue their educational goals with confidence, these institutions exemplify Ohio’s unwavering commitment to supporting our service members.”
Ohio became the first state in the nation to offer the Collegiate Purple Star designation when it was launched in 2022. This award builds upon the work of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to award Purple Star designations to preK-12 schools that have worked to become military-friendly.
Colleges and universities in Ohio are offered the opportunity to apply for the Collegiate Purple Star designation. The designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee, appointed by the Chancellor 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.
Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and service members, surveying student veterans and service members – along with spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges, and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and service members.
Colleges and universities that earn the Collegiate Purple Star designation receive permission from the advisory committee to utilize a logo or badge signifying the designation.
More information on the Collegiate Purple Star program is available online.