by Rebecca Hightower
Not every student takes the same path to getting a college degree, which is especially true of older students and military veterans. In recognition of the unique challenges adult learners (25 or older) and veterans or dependants of veterans face, the University of West Georgia established the Center for Adult Learners and Veterans.
As a fitting tribute to military veterans, the University of West Georgia celebrated the grand opening of its Center for Adult Learners and Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. Over 250 guests attended the open house and ribbon cutting dedication ceremony. UWG President Kyle Marrero opened the dedication ceremony by thanking the veterans in attendance and reading a moving letter from Brigadier General J. Dale Alford of the United States Marine Corps, who praised UWG’s commitment to serving veterans as they pursue their educational goals.
Dr. Marrero was joined by Senator Mike Dugan, several distinguished guests from the USG, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Scot Lingrell, and Adrianna Badder, president of the UWG Student Veterans Association in providing remarks during the opening ceremony.
“The center will serve as a hub where adult learners and veterans can have their needs met and collaborate with their peers,” noted Dr. Lingrell. He explained that both veterans and adult learners have shared needs, and that the center will be able to serve both well.
Adrianna, a 32-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and current graduate student, described how the establishment of the center would have eased her own college journey.
“The challenges—financial, social, acclimation, persistence through college—would have been easier if I would have been able to meet and form meaningful relationships with students who were like me,” she shared.
Dr. Alicia Caudill, associate vice president for student life and dean of students, led a steering committee to create a dedicated space to serve the over 3000 adult students and veterans or their dependents currently enrolled at UWG.
Located on the second floor of the University Community Center (UCC) in room 311, the center offers a modern study lounge, conference room, and private meeting space with computers, Wi-Fi access, and a knowledgeable staff to help negotiate the many adult learner and veteran school services, resources, and benefits available with ease.
USG Director of Public Awareness Roseland Barnes, who leads Georgia’s Go Back, Move Ahead program aimed at encouraging adults to finish their college degrees, recognized UWG’s dedication to adult learners.
“I am proud to be here today as UWG is among the top, elite campuses that has made a commitment to adult learners and veterans,” she said. “I hope this becomes a place of respite for students where they can see their peers and feel support from their university.”
Currently under the stewardship of Interim Director Sherry Robinson, the center plans to continue to grow its services to provide a broad range of resources for adult learners and veteran students both academically and professionally. The center is currently open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
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