Reynolds strengthens support for veterans with laptop donations, new Resource Center and Gold status

Recently, John Hall and Suri Polk from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) were on the Reynolds Community College campus to convey a donation of twenty refurbished, secure laptop computers for use by veteran and military-dependent students. The donation is one of several from DVS to Reynolds in recent years and helps enable pathways for students to complete in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes.

Earlier this year Reynolds opened its new Military Resource Center, a dedicated space designed to support the unique needs of its military student community. This milestone came hand in hand with Reynolds being awarded Gold status as a Military Friendly® College, placing it in the top ten percent of colleges nationwide for supporting veterans and their dependents.

The new Military Resource Center is a testament to Reynolds’ commitment to helping military-affiliated students excel in their education, find meaningful careers, and continue their journeys of remarkable contribution to society. This center will provide a comprehensive array of services tailored to the needs of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families, including academic advising, career counseling, and support with navigating educational benefits.

The Military Resource Center opened at a crucial time as the college continues to see significant enrollment from the military community. In the spring 2024 enrollment period alone, Reynolds welcomed 162 veteran and dependent students. Many of these students benefit from programs such as the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Chapter 35 benefits, which provide financial assistance for their educational pursuits.

Reynolds’ designation as a Gold status Military Friendly® College is a prestigious honor that underscores the college’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for military students. This recognition is awarded to institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the educational and career success of veterans and their families. Achieving Gold status places Reynolds among the top institutions in the nation that go above and beyond to assist military students.

Dr. Paula Pando, Reynolds President, expressed her pride in the college’s Gold status and emphasized the importance of the Military Resource Center. “We are proud to serve those who have served our country, and this designation makes clear that we do so with excellence! We are excited to have this new space for our military student community so that they may excel in education, find meaningful careers, and continue their journeys of remarkable contribution.”

The Military Resource Center is more than just a physical space; it represents a community of support and camaraderie for military students. The center will host various events and workshops designed to address the unique challenges faced by military-affiliated students, including transitioning from military to civilian life, managing educational benefits, and building a successful career post-graduation.

Reynolds’ efforts to support its military students extend beyond the classroom. Our Military Resource Center is here to help with benefits, academic, and admission advising and provides a quiet space on campus. Resources include educational benefits, military benefits, tuition assistance, and mental health resources.

The impact of Reynolds’ commitment to its military students is evident in the success stories of its graduates. Many veterans and their dependents have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields, thanks in part to the support and resources provided by the college.

A big thanks goes to DVS who has now donated computers to all 23 VCCS colleges, Reynolds remaining one of the department’s strongest partners.

As Reynolds continues to expand its services and support for military students, the new Military Resource Center shows our commitment to our veterans and their dependents to help them build fulfilling lives after service. With its Gold status designation as a Military Friendly® College, Reynolds is well-positioned to continue its mission of helping military-affiliated students thrive in their educational and professional journeys.

For more information about the Military Resource Center and the services it offers, visit our website or contact the center directly.