VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota has received more than $80,000 from the State of South Dakota to assist student veterans.
Thanks to a Veterans Services Higher Education Grant of $63,100 and an additional award of $17,345 based on the number of veterans already enrolled at USD, campus resources will continually be upgraded to assist veterans in their transition from active military duty to college.
“USD is proud of the steps we’ve taken to help the increasing number of student veterans or active military personnel choosing to enroll on our campus,” stated Kimberly Grieve, dean of students. “This grant will significantly help USD achieve the goal of providing educational opportunities to those who have served and continue to serve our country honorably.”
According to USD Veterans’ Services, the awards will be used to recruit more veterans, increase tutorial services, provide online and on campus orientation for veterans pursuing academic degrees, provide a budget for veteran student professional development, including travel to conferences, and educational workshops for faculty and staff development. Last fall, USD opened the Student Veterans Resource Center, which is open to all current military members, veterans and their families and will house this year’s student Veteran Open House from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25. Since 2011, USD has been honored as a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine for the university’s efforts in serving military service personnel, veterans and their dependents.
“USD is doing a lot to help student veterans in their transition to campus life as well as those students who are currently active in the military,” added Jason Dean, director of USD Veterans’ Services. “This funding provided by the state will continue to address the needs of USD’s student veterans and provide more resources for academic and personal development.”