Clark State College has been awarded a Collegiate Purple Star designation. Ohio is the first state in the nation to adopt a Collegiate Purple Star designation. Clark State is one of 33 public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio to receive a Collegiate Purple Star.
In March of this year, Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Education, announced the creation of the first-ever “Collegiate Purple Star” designation.
“The services provided to those military-connected students at Clark State help prepare them for a successful transition to education and, ultimately, the workforce,” Gardner said. “Clark State’s inclusion in the first group of Collegiate Purple Star designees is well deserved.”
The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. Designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee after evaluation and recommendation. The advisory committee was appointed by the Chancellor and composed of members from organizations that include but aren’t 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.
“Clark State has a long and proud tradition of serving our active-duty military and veteran students,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “This designation is another reflection of our deep commitment to serving those who have served our country.”
Criteria for being selected 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.
Clark State currently serves United States military veteran students, active military students, National Guard and Reserve students, dependents and military spouses.
Clark State was named to the Nation’s Top Military Friendly® Schools for 2022-23 marking the fourth consecutive year this honor was bestowed. The list of “Better for Veterans” institutions were identified across the country by VIQTORY: a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly® brands.
Clark State received the designation of Top School in the 2018 Military Advanced Education & Transition (MAE&T) Guide to Colleges & Universities. This honor is awarded to institutions with the very best practices in military- and veteran-supportive education.
In 2015 Clark State was designated as a Purple Heart Campus and was approved by the Community College of the Air Force as a General Education Mobile (GEM) partner. Clark State was the first community college in Ohio to receive this approval. The College also features a Veterans Lounge that provides student veterans with a place to unwind, study, hold meetings or network.
Clark State students have also been inducted into the SALUTE National Honor Society. SALUTE – Service, Academics, Leadership, Unity, Tribute, Excellence - is the only national honor society recognizing and honoring the service and scholastic achievements of student veterans.
Clark State offers a 50 percent tuition discount for active-duty, reservists, Ohio Air National Guard, and their spouses. The cashier’s office accepts a letter from the commander to validate guard/reserve status for military member and spouse