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South University, Columbia Achieves Gold Grade Recognition for Veterans Support

In a significant acknowledgment of its commitment to veterans, South University, Columbia has received the prestigious Gold Grade recognition from the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA). This accolade is the highest designation under the Military Academic Recognition Program, which evaluates universities based on the services and resources they provide to veterans, service members, and their families. The award was presented during a ceremony on August 10, 2026, held at the campus's dedicated Veterans Center.

Commitment to Veterans and Military Families

The SCDVA's Military Academic Recognition Program assesses colleges across South Carolina on how well they cater to military-connected students. Schools are assigned either Gold, Silver, or Bronze status based on their evaluation scores, reflecting a year's worth of support and resources dedicated to this demographic.

During the award ceremony, Jelani A. Edwards, the Midlands Regional Integration Officer for SCDVA, emphasized the importance of the campus's supportive environment. "South University has distinguished itself through its dedication to student success, personalized support, and a culture that places military-connected students at the forefront," he remarked. His comments highlighted how the university directly helps students with navigating educational benefits, academic advising, and career readiness.

The efforts to support these students are evident in the university's everyday operations. The Veterans Center is a dedicated space where student veterans can gather, access resources, and receive assistance. Staff members work closely with students on query resolution regarding VA education benefits and academic planning—essential for helping veterans transition into higher education smoothly.

Tailored Support and Financial Initiatives

South University's efforts go beyond general support; they actively seek to reduce barriers that veterans may face when pursuing their academic goals. For instance, the university waives admission application fees for veterans and military personnel, aligns its tuition fees with the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill allowances, and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additionally, academic credit is awarded for military training and experiences based on guidelines from the American Council on Education, allowing veterans to leverage their past experiences towards academic achievements.

Executive leadership also expressed pride in these initiatives. Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims, the campus president, stated, "I am proud of our South University, Columbia team for their dedication, passion, and commitment every day. This recognition honors all our collective efforts in serving military-connected students, making a lasting impact on their educational journeys."

Comprehensive Resources for Military Families

The support framework at South University extends to military families, offering guidance on dependent benefits, including the Chapter 35 educational benefits, the Fry Scholarship, and various waivers that assist with transitions. Students at Columbia have access to flexible learning options, which include online, hybrid, self-paced, accelerated courses, and certificate programs, enabling them to balance their education with military commitments or relocations.

The university has also fostered a student veterans' organization that connects graduates with career placement resources. Chris Deckard, the Director of Military Outreach and Initiatives, remarked on the importance of establishing standards that ensure veterans can finish their degrees and that their military experiences are recognized within the academic framework.

South University, Columbia is not just dedicated to education in traditional fields but empowers students with comprehensive programs in healthcare, business, and technology—all designed to support military-connected individuals alongside the rest of their student body.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1899, South University has evolved from a single campus in Savannah, Georgia, into a robust institution with over 10,000 students across 11 campuses and online programs. It now offers a diverse range of programs from associate to doctoral levels, with a focus on essential fields such as healthcare, business, and technology.

For more information about the support offered to military-connected students, visit South University.