Central Virginia Community College
Tina Murphy, CVCC Veterans Coordinator
CVCC Named Military Friendly School
Lynchburg, Va. /Media Release/ Central Virginia Community College has been named a Military Friendly School by G.I.Jobs magazine. Tina Murphy, the College’s Veterans Coordinator, explains that only fifteen percent of two and four-year schools receive the Military Friendly designation.
In order to receive this award, CVCC had to have a number of important services on campus. The College’s services for veterans include a CVCC veterans website, the availability of online courses, the ability to leave for active duty and return to classes without penalty, social networking events designed specifically for veterans, and an attention to many other considerations that ease the transition from the military life to college and civilian life. In addition, Murphy points out that CVCC has small classes and a nurturing attitude. A number of the College’s instructors are veterans themselves and are eager to help the returning soldiers succeed.
Due to the interest expressed by many of the returning soldiers, CVCC has started an informal motorcycle club for veterans. The College also helps first-time returning soldiers acclimate to CVCC by introducing them to more experienced veterans on campus who will help mentor them. Murphy maintains contact with veterans when they are overseas by sending “goodie” packages and encouraging others to participate.
Most of the veterans at CVCC are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Murphy advises them on matters concerning both CVCC and Veterans Affairs. She smiles and says, “Some students call me the V.A. Lady,” although she is not technically a V.A. employee. She explains that most of the soldiers are excellent students, “They are able to set goals and follow through. Returning students have reached new maturity levels and are very focused.” She is pleased that the majority of returning vets continue on to four-year schools and that some are now planning to earn a master’s degree. Murphy reports that the program has been so successful a number of four-year colleges have contacted her to learn from CVCC’s success story.
Release Date: 4:00 PM (EDT) 08/31/09
Release Number: 090831MilitaryFriendly
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Media Contact:
Kathy Cudlin
Coordinator, Public Relations and Marketing
Central Virginia Community College
(434) 832-7609
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A Member Institution of the Virginia Community College System.