Indian River State College Celebrates Veterans Day with Focus on Military Student Support and Excellence

As Veterans Day approaches, the Indian River State College (IRSC) is making waves by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to military-connected students. With a focus on providing a nurturing environment for veterans, active duty service members, and their families, IRSC is leading the way in higher education support. The college currently benefits over 400 student veterans in the Fall 2025 semester and has served more than 1,300 individuals throughout the year, earning it recognition as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus and a Gold Status Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026.

Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of IRSC and an Army veteran himself, has emphasized the importance of honoring those who have served the country by prioritizing their educational needs. Moore stated, "At Indian River State College, supporting our veterans is more than a mission—it is a commitment we uphold every day through dedicated programs, personalized resources, and a welcoming community that honors their service while helping them thrive academically."

Central to this mission is the Military and Veterans Service Department located within the Veterans Center of Excellence. This center serves as a one-stop-shop for veterans, guiding them through every step of their academic journey—from initial application through to graduation. Inside the center, a wealth of services are available, including assistance with admissions, VA benefits certification, academic advising, and financial support.

"Success means seeing veterans make the most of their benefits and reach their goals," shares Camilo Medina, Veterans Center of Excellence Coordinator and Army veteran. He outlines how the department’s role is to ease the stress of educational pursuits, acknowledging that veterans have already sacrific a great deal. The environment cultivated here aims to provide a familial feel, ensuring that students feel they belong to a community that genuinely cares.

The exemplary academic achievements of veteran students at IRSC are noteworthy, with over 250 individuals maintaining GPAs of 3.5 or higher. This is a testament to the effective support systems in place, recently evidenced by a 99.99% compliance rating from the VA, signifying the college's dedication to facilitating veterans' education benefits properly.

Dr. Calvin Williams, Associate Vice President of Advising and Career Services and an Air Force veteran himself, commented on the contributions of veterans to both the campus environment and the wider community: "Our veteran students are attending, excelling, and making meaningful contributions to our community. We proudly support service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue their educational goals and transition into successful civilian careers."

To learn more about the programs and support available for veterans at Indian River State College, interested individuals can visit irsc.edu or reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at (772) 462-7711.

Indian River State College, located in Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers a wide range of affordable, high-quality educational programs to over 24,000 students annually. With more than 130 pathways to either bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, or technical certificates, IRSC is committed to fostering academic success for all its students, particularly those who have bravely served the nation.