Sinclair Community College Earns Ohio's Collegiate Purple Star Designation for Support of Military-Affiliated Students

Sinclair Community College has earned the State of Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation for its exceptional efforts to support military-affiliated students. Sinclair is among the first group of Ohio universities and community colleges to receive the designation. The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. In March, the State of Ohio became the first in the nation to adopt a Collegiate Purple Star designation.

“Sinclair’s Military Family Education Center goes above and beyond in helping Sinclair’s members of the military achieve their education goals. This work makes Sinclair well deserving of the Collegiate Purple Star designation,” Chancellor Randy Gardner said.

Annually, approximately 2,000 military-affiliated students, including veterans, active duty, spouses, and children, study at Sinclair and receive support and services through Sinclair’s Military Family Education Center (MFEC), the Office of Student and Community Engagement, Career Services, and the Office of Work-Based Learning.  In 2022, military-affiliated students at Sinclair earned a record number of degrees and certificates (486), a 10% increase over last year.

“Sinclair Community College is proud to be one of the first in the state to receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation which reinforces our mission to find the need and endeavor to meet it by providing the services and support our military-affiliated students need to achieve college and career success,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President – Sinclair Community College.  

Sinclair’s MFEC works with multiple internal and external partners to provide military-affiliated students with job search assistance, resume writing, interview practice, and workshops to support the transition from military to civilian life.  In addition, Sinclair’s military-affiliated students engage with employers for internship and career opportunities.  The MFEC surveys military-affiliated students annually to determine their needs, assess what is working well, and identify challenges. Sinclair also has a dedicated Veterans Lounge and recently established the Military-Affiliated Advisory Board consisting of college leadership, students, and external stakeholders.

“It is an honor to serve our military-affiliated students and guide them through the many services and benefits available to them. The MFEC and Sinclair are thrilled to be recognized with the Collegiate Purple Star designation that recognizes our daily pursuit to provide exceptional service and support for our military-affiliated students,” added Becky Jones, Manager, SCO – Military Family Education Center, Sinclair Community College.

This morning, Sinclair Community College joined representatives from 32 other Ohio universities and colleges for a virtual celebration of the Collegiate Purple Star designation including remarks from Chancellor Gardner, Ohio Adjutant General Major General John C. Harris, Jr., and Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Major General Deborah Ashenhurst.

To learn more about Sinclair’s Military Family Education Center, visit sinclair.edu/mfec.