Eastern Florida State College Earns Purple Star Designation for Excellence in Support for Military Families
By Sascha Lee, EFSC Director of Communications // December 4, 2024
dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those who serve our nation
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Purple Star Campus designation stands as a beacon of commitment to military-connected students and their families. For Eastern Florida State College, this prestigious recognition reflects a profound dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those who serve our nation.
This milestone not only highlights EFSC’s leadership in addressing the unique challenges faced by military families but also enhances its reputation as a military-friendly institution.
“The Purple Star Campus designation is a testament to the commitment of our college to honor and support the sacrifices of military families,” said Dr. Jim Richey, EFSC President. “I am immensely proud of our entire Military and Veterans Services team for their dedication to helping military heroes and their families attain the successful careers they so richly deserve.”
Ensuring the success of our military students and their families has always been a top priority for Dr. Richey.
Shortly after being named President of the College, he officially created the “Military and Veterans Services Center” with the primary objective to provide the special assistance and services these students need to complement their incredible skill sets and to meet the unique educational and personal needs of these special students.
Purple Star Campus: A Commitment Beyond Recognition
Earning the Purple Star designation involves meeting rigorous criteria to ensure that military-connected students receive exceptional support.
For EFSC, this translates into robust initiatives, including:
■ Tailored programs and resources to facilitate smooth transitions for military families.
■ Professional development for staff to address military-related challenges.
■ The establishment of inclusive spaces across campuses where military-connected students can find community and resources.
“This designation affirms our dedication to serving those who serve our nation,” said JC Burchette, EFSC’s Coordinator of Military and Veterans Services. “It also enhances our ability to attract military-connected students, enriching our campus community with their unique perspectives and experiences.”
Enhanced Resources for Military-Connected Students
At EFSC, military-connected students benefit from personalized guidance throughout their academic journey. From the application process to navigating VA benefits and exploring career pathways, EFSC’s Military and Veterans Services team ensures that every student receives the specialized support they need.
“The Veterans Center has been a tremendous help, especially with getting signed up for classes and making the entire process seamless,” said Calvin Alaman Bautista, a first-semester student.
“They’ve answered all my questions and guided me in learning how to be a student, helping me understand what’s normal and how to navigate everything. If I’m overthinking something or have questions, they simplify things for me, making it easier to move forward with my classes and feel confident in what I’m doing.”
Bautista, who served in the Navy for six years before transitioning out on May 30th of this year, added, “The center’s support extends beyond academics—they’ve also been a great resource for my social life and overall adjustment to student life.”
Veterans and their families often face unique challenges, such as frequent relocations and transitions between schools. EFSC’s programs are designed to mitigate these hurdles, helping students focus on their academic and career goals.
The Center provides academic advising, assists with course scheduling, helps students apply and qualify for veteran-specific financial aid and VA benefits, offers veteran work-study opportunities, provides mentoring and support services, and promotes social networking on college campuses through student clubs like the Collegiate Veterans Society.
“The Military Veteran Services Center has been a huge help by connecting me with other students who’ve taken similar classes, creating a community of support. They also provide great resources like tutoring, which has been incredibly beneficial,” said Alexander West, a student at Eastern Florida.
“I served in the Navy for seven years, spending three years aboard the USS Michael Murphy from 2015 to 2018 and later as an instructor in Pensacola from 2018 to 2021. I graduated with my AA in the spring of 2024 and am currently taking transient courses with UCF here at Eastern Florida.
The Center also serves as a safe space for veterans, offering dedicated areas at the Cocoa and Melbourne campuses, and soon to be on the Palm Bay campus, where veterans can connect, share experiences, and build camaraderie. This support network helps them feel more comfortable and better equipped to navigate the challenges of higher education.
The reopening of the Palm Bay Center is an exciting development for military-connected students in the area. Although the center was closed during the pandemic, its reopening will cater to a growing student population and address the transportation challenges faced by some veterans. Plans are underway to fully operationalize the Palm Bay location by spring 2025, providing veterans more access to resources at an additional campus.
“Our Palm Bay student population has nearly doubled since the pre-pandemic period,” said JC Burchette. “Reopening the center will allow us to better serve these students and ensure they have access to the support they need close to home.”
A Growing Community of Military-Connected Students
The growth of EFSC’s military-connected student body underscores the success of its Veterans Services programs. Since the pre-pandemic period, enrollment of veterans and their dependents has surged by 20%, reaching nearly 1,300 students in the 2023-2024 academic year. This increase reflects EFSC’s reputation as a welcoming and supportive institution for military families.
Programs like the Dependent Education Assistance Program (Chapter 35) further extend the benefits of EFSC’s commitment to military families, offering financial support to the spouses and children of 100% disabled veterans.
By providing pathways to higher education for entire families, EFSC helps secure brighter futures for those who have sacrificed so much.
EFSC also benefited from an increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for post-9/11 students, which rose from $1,600 to $2,500 monthly. This enhancement allows many veterans to focus solely on their studies without the burden of working full-time.
Building Career Opportunities for Military-Connected Students
EFSC recognizes that traditional degree programs may not suit every veteran’s needs. That’s why its Veterans Services Center emphasizes workforce and certification opportunities in high-demand fields such as aerospace, HVAC, and welding. These programs are tailored to provide practical skills that translate into meaningful employment.
“One student veteran went from being unsure of what he wanted to do to earning his HVAC certification,” shared Burchette. “Today, he’s working at the Kennedy Space Center and thriving in his career.”
Such success stories illustrate the impact of EFSC’s holistic approach to education and career development for veterans. By connecting students with local industries and providing comprehensive support, EFSC ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to succeed.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The Purple Star Campus designation is more than an honor; it is a call to action. It challenges EFSC to continue its work in fostering an environment where military families can thrive. With the dedication of its Military and Veterans Services team, the College is well-positioned to rise to this challenge and ensure that the sacrifices of military families are met with unwavering support.
“Congratulations to Eastern Florida State College,” said Kathryn Hebda, Florida College System Chancellor. “I am pleased to commend you for the services you provide at all sites to all active military and veteran students and their families.”
As EFSC celebrates this milestone, it also looks to the future, striving to expand its impact and build even stronger support systems for military-connected students.
For veterans, dependents, and active-duty service members considering higher education, EFSC’s Purple Star designation is a clear sign of its commitment to their success. By combining academic excellence with unparalleled support, EFSC stands ready to help military families achieve their goals and build rewarding futures.
Take the Next Step with EFSC’s Military and Veterans Services
Are you a veteran, active-duty service member, or military family member seeking a supportive environment for your educational and career goals? Eastern Florida State College is here to help you succeed with comprehensive services, tailored programs, and a community dedicated to honoring your service.
With the prestigious Purple Star Campus designation, EFSC is your partner in overcoming challenges and building a brighter future. Whether pursuing a degree, technical certification, or workforce training, EFSC provides the necessary resources, guidance, and camaraderie.
Find out more at Easternflorida.edu/military-veterans.
