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At Georgian Court University, the commitment to veterans and active-duty military personnel goes beyond a single day of recognition. While Veterans Day on November 11 is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country, GCU honors and supports these individuals throughout the year.
The Office of Military and Veterans Services at GCU is a cornerstone of this commitment. Understanding that each veteran’s journey is unique, the office provides an array of resources tailored to meet the detailed needs of military students and their families. From financial assistance to academic advising, GCU ensures veterans have the support they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
“There are many more specific needs for veteran students than regular students,” says Joshua Burns, N.D., D.C., Director of Military and Veteran Services and Outreach. “We are dedicated to helping military and veteran students achieve their academic goals, even when dealing with schedule conflicts, outside obligations, and deployments.”
GCU is a proud Yellow Ribbon School, offering significant tuition reductions for eligible veteran students. This support, combined with targeted scholarships and grants, helps make higher education accessible. The university also provides essential information about the GI Bill, including eligibility and benefits, empowering students to make informed educational decisions.
In addition to financial resources for students, the Office of Military and Veterans Services also provides deployment liaison services, student services coordination, and college transition assistance. Community is key at GCU, with the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter fostering leadership and connection to build student success. A full list of services and resources offered can be found here.
“The faculty is incredibly supportive, and the university is very military-friendly, which makes a big difference,” said alumna Sheila McNeil ‘24, an active member of the Army National Guard who earned a Master of Arts Degree in Integrative Health. The ability to participate in the graduate degree program online, combined with GCU community support, helped her achieve her educational goals. “I was deployed to Kuwait in 2020-2021 and took two classes online. Then I had to take a year off but was able to easily resume my studies in the fall of 2022.”
McNeil, the former SVA president, helped to revitalize the chapter on campus and worked with Dr. Burns to set up a new Veteran’s Lounge on campus, located in Jeffries Hall. The lounge features a quiet place to study and a small library of donated veteran and military-specific literature, including transitioning from active military and becoming a veteran, mental health, and emotional intelligence.
The Office of Military and Veterans Services is hosting these upcoming programs:
Veterans Day Lecture– Nov. 11, 10 a.m., Little Theater, Jeffries Hall
The Army’s House of Magic: A History of Fort Monmouth, NJ, presented by Melissa Ziobro, former Command Historian at Fort Monmouth. Click here for free tickets.
Wreaths Across America – Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Woodlawn Cemetery, Lakewood
Volunteers across the country will place holiday wreaths on the grave sites of veterans to ensure all veterans are remembered this holiday season. A ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. The GCU community is invited to participate. To volunteer, email jburns@georgian.edu, or to sponsor a wreath, click here.
Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive – Nov. 29 to Dec. 13, Donation Bin, First Floor, Jeffries Hall
The GCU Community is invited to donate toys to benefit local families in need. Toys should be new and unwrapped and will be collected for all age groups, including pre-teens and teens. No food or realistic toy weapons can be accepted.
Dr. Burns is committed to expanding awareness of GCU’s services on campus and throughout the local military community. “We attend veteran expos and events and work with local bases to spread awareness and stay aligned with their needs.”
As a United States Air Force veteran, Dr. Burns understands the specific needs of this community. “As someone who went through school as a veteran, I know firsthand how hard it can be to find the services you need and to know where they are on campus. At GCU, we aim to provide the best help we can for our students and always seek ways to meet their changing needs.”
Between 2023 and 2024, GCU saw a 150% increase in veteran applications and projects a 75% increase in the total veteran population in the 2024 to 2025 academic year. With this increase in veteran student populations, GCU is committed to expanding and advancing the services and programs offered to active-duty military personnel, military families, veterans, and their children.
The university remains steadfast in its mission to honor veterans year-round. Whether through academic support, financial resources, or community-building opportunities, Georgian Court University is a place where military-affiliated students can thrive.
