Belmont College has Collegiate Purple Star Designation Renewed

St. Clairsville, OH (June 3, 2026) —Belmont College is pleased to announce that the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey has renewed their Collegiate Purple Star designation continuing their efforts to support students with military backgrounds.

The Purple Star Award recognizes schools showing a significant commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Belmont was in the second cohort of Collegiate Purple Star awardees that received the designation in May of 2023. Schools must apply for renewal after three years.

“Having this designation renewed is a great honor,” said Dr. Heather Davis, Executive Vice President of Operations. “It reflects Belmont College’s ongoing commitment to serving those who have served our country. We are proud to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and military-connected students as they pursue their educational and career goals.”

She continued “This recognition acknowledges the dedication of our faculty and staff in ensuring these students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. We remain committed to honoring their service by helping them achieve their academic aspirations and build a strong foundation for their future.”

Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, surveying student veterans and servicemembers – along with spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges, and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers. Colleges and universities that earn the Collegiate Purple Star designation will receive permission from the advisory committee to utilize a signifying logo or badge.

Colleges and universities in Ohio are offered the opportunity to apply for the Collegiate Purple Star designation. The designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee appointed by the Chancellor and composed of members from organizations that include but aren’t limited to ODHE, the Ohio Veterans Education Council (with representation from two-year colleges, four-year universities, and independent institutions), the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department, and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission K-12 Purple Star Committee.

Military and veteran graduates are recognized at College Commencement ceremonies with red, white, and blue cords, as well as by President Gasparro, who is also a retired military veteran, during his commencement remarks.

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