FAMU Recognized as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for Supporting Military-Connected Students

Deidre Williams
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FAMU Recognized as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for Supporting Military-Connected Students

The Florida Department of Education has recognized Florida A&M University (FAMU) as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus. The designation, established by the Legislature in 2023,  is awarded to state colleges or universities that demonstrate a commitment to supporting the unique needs of military servicemembers, veterans, and their families as set forth in the Florida Statutes. This includes helping military-connected students navigate critical challenges and providing resources when transitioning to a new school environment.

FAMU is among the first three universities in the state of Florida awarded the Purple Star designation

FAMU is among the first three universities in the state of Florida awarded the Purple Star designation

 

FAMU will maintain its designation for the next three academic years.

“This distinction highlights FAMU as an institution of choice among active-duty military and veterans,” said Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I applaud the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs for its efforts to strengthen the quality of the student experience, which ensures student success and academic excellence continues to thrive on our campuses.

There are approximately 450 military-connected students currently enrolled at FAMU, according to Dilbert Louis, director of the Department of Military Affairs. He oversees the following programs and services that are also minimum requirements for becoming a Collegiate Purple Star Campus:

  • Provide priority course registration for military students.
  • Maintain the Veteran Affairs Mentoring Program (VAMP), a student-led transition program for newly enrolled military students.
  • Offer professional development training called Green Zone Training for staff members about issues relating to military students.

“We are proud to be one of the few public universities in the state and HBCUs in the nation to have a connection to all six branches of the armed forces,” said Dilbert. “This distinction serves as a reminder to all military-connected students that they are valued at FAMU.”

Other support resources provided to military-connected students include processing military benefits for tuition, providing academic and leadership development workshops, hosting recruitment tours, and military appreciation events for alumni, students, staff, and community members.

“Our mission in the Division of Student Affairs is to create a campus climate that attracts and retains motivated students,” said William H. Hudson, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs. “This includes tailored services and programs aligned with our designation as a [Collegiate] Purple Star Campus.”

FAMU, the University of North Florida, and the University of West Florida are the first three universities in the state of Florida to be awarded this designation. For more information about the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation at FAMU, call (850) 412-5843 or email veteranaffairs@famu.edu.