According to the website militaryfriendlyschools.com The University of Montevallo has
been recognized as being receptive of veterans, but if you took a tour around
campus you would be hard pressed to find evidence of it.
Student veterans Matt Stephens, a former Marine Infantryman, and Daniel Emery, an Army MP currently in the Reserves, hope to change that. On Thursday night they held an interest meeting in Comer Auditorium with the goal of bringing a Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter to UM.
Despite a small turnout those that attended showed interest in developing a veteran focused program at the university that would aid in the transition to civilian life for those recently exiting the service.
UM is home to 60 veteran students and nearly 100 military dependents but there isn't a place where veterans can go to “get away” from the stresses of student life and relax with like minded individuals. Stephens and Emery would like to see a room or other suitable space on campus either developed or re-purposed for use by veterans.
During the meeting Stephens expressed frustration that the university didn't observe Veteran's Day and the city didn't have a Veteran's Day parade.
Invitations for the meeting went out to students and staff and according to Amanda Fox, the university's Veterans Affairs Representative, several faculty members expressed "interest in being involved," but, "couldn't be here" due to prior engagements. Fox added that many of those that responded were either veterans themselves or directly related to one.
Thursday's meeting was only the first step in developing a lasting program and potential facility for veteran's at Montevallo but all involved are positive about moving forward. For further information about the program contact Fox in the Registrar's Office or visit the SVA website.
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| Matt Stephens and Daniel Emery speak to veterans about SVA |
Student veterans Matt Stephens, a former Marine Infantryman, and Daniel Emery, an Army MP currently in the Reserves, hope to change that. On Thursday night they held an interest meeting in Comer Auditorium with the goal of bringing a Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter to UM.
Despite a small turnout those that attended showed interest in developing a veteran focused program at the university that would aid in the transition to civilian life for those recently exiting the service.
UM is home to 60 veteran students and nearly 100 military dependents but there isn't a place where veterans can go to “get away” from the stresses of student life and relax with like minded individuals. Stephens and Emery would like to see a room or other suitable space on campus either developed or re-purposed for use by veterans.
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| Student Veterans of America's website |
Invitations for the meeting went out to students and staff and according to Amanda Fox, the university's Veterans Affairs Representative, several faculty members expressed "interest in being involved," but, "couldn't be here" due to prior engagements. Fox added that many of those that responded were either veterans themselves or directly related to one.
Thursday's meeting was only the first step in developing a lasting program and potential facility for veteran's at Montevallo but all involved are positive about moving forward. For further information about the program contact Fox in the Registrar's Office or visit the SVA website.
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