CSM Named Military Friendly for 3rd Year

For the third year in a row, the College of Southern Maryland has earned the Military Friendly School designation from Victory Media. The designation recognizes schools that are top-tier educational institutions providing the best opportunities for military service members and their spouses.

“CSM is proud to once again be recognized for the support and services we offer for active-duty military and veterans and their families in the community,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. “The college makes it a priority to help these veterans reach their academic and career goals as they transition into civilian life.”

The day before the award was announced on Nov. 10, Dr. Gottfried spoke at a Veterans Day celebration breakfast at the La Plata Campus, where CSM’s active-duty military and student veterans, faculty, and staff were honored for their incredible contribution to the nation through their service in the armed forces.

Dr. Gottfried reiterated the college’s commitment to veterans, noting that CSM is one of the largest providers of educational services for current and former service members and their families in Maryland. Military/veteran students represent 10 percent of CSM’s total enrollment.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Maryland Higher Education Commission have approved the college. The commission allows eligible veterans, service members, and certain dependents to receive VA educational benefits for credit certificate and associate degree programs. CSM’s outreach includes the CSM Student Veterans Organization and a lounge where student veterans can gather to study and socialize.

Dr. Gottfried also mentioned the college’s hiring of more veterans affairs coordinators to advise students. Those interested in meeting with a coordinator in La Plata, Leonardtown, or Prince Frederick can call to make appointments, but time also has been set aside for walk-ins three days a week.

Bill Buffington is one of the founders of CSM’s Student Veterans Organization. Mr. Buffington spoke at the Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 9, saying the college has been “a great supporter” of the veterans as they transition back into the classroom. “CSM gives the veterans a great sense of community,” Buffington said.

The Military Friendly School designation comes from Victory Media, which surveys thousands of institutions and assembles information that is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college where they can receive the education and training needed to pursue a career in the civilian workforce.

For more information, visit Victory Media online.

For information on Veteran and Military Support Services at CSM, visit CSM’s website.

For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit their Leader member page.