SPC is one of the top 50 veteran-friendly colleges in the nation, according to the Military Times Edge.
In spring 2011, the military publication dedicated to assisting service members with career preparation polled more than500 student veterans to find out what they considered the most important school services for veterans. The results served as the foundation for the survey that placed emphasis on academic accreditation, central veterans’ offices and staff knowledgeable on veterans’ issues. Results showed that some of the most important services for student veterans fell in the area of affordable tuition costs. Criteria such as cost per credit hour for programs, participation in veteran scholarship programs and low out-of-state tuition program fees were a few of the services student veterans look for when considering a college.
 Jeff Cavanagh |
Jeff Cavanagh, Coordinator of Veteran Affairs, was pleased to find out that the college ranked among the top 50.
“We had approximately 500 to 600 veteran students two years ago, now we have over 1,500,” Cavanagh said. “It makes me feel very good that we’re in the top 50. That’s a definite plus for us.”
The college has not only grown in terms of student veteran population, but also in service locations. Veteran service centers are located at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs and Seminole campuses and are looking to expand to other campuses.
“Everything we do, and we’re moving forward to offer more and more specifics, is just for those individuals who are veteran students,” Cavanaugh said.
Cavanagh credits the passion of the veteran services staff’ for student success for this achievement. However, for Cavanagh and the veteran services staff this is only the beginning. He thinks there is still plenty of work left to do to make it to the top.
“I think this ranking just shows that we have more work we want to do to get us up to No. 1,” Cavanagh said.
