Each Veterans Day, our nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform in defense of our freedoms. At COTC, that spirit of gratitude extends beyond a single day.

Our institution’s year-round commitment to military and veteran students helps them achieve their educational and professional goals. Dedicated advisors help arrange academic, financial and counseling services as well as campus space specifically offered to military-affiliated students. They can pair their military education benefits with COTC’s affordable tuition to save money, apply transferred military credit toward credentials or degrees, and prepare for in-demand careers.

Thanks to these efforts and resources, COTC earned the 2025-26 Silver Military Friendly® School designation. We are part of the U.S. Veterans Department of Affairs Principles of Excellence program. We carry Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, granted by the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

“We’re proud to be considered a college that goes above and beyond to support military students and families,” said COTC President John M. Berry, PhD. “It signifies that we meet key standards, including having a dedicated point of contact for them and offering services such as priority registration, tailored academic support and career guidance.”

In addition to this national recognition, COTC has received praise from the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC).

COTC is uniquely positioned to help veterans build on the skills and experiences gained in service to our country,” said Avi Zaffini, OACC’s president and CEO — and a former U.S. Marine. “It’s one of Ohio’s two-year colleges equipped to respond to veterans’ needs and the evolving needs of local employers. It translates military training into college credit and consistently adapts its programs to meet workforce demands.

Charlene Ross, COTC’s military and veterans resource coordinator, is the college’s point person for military-affiliated learners. “Our goal is to provide individualized guidance and important services to help these students chart a clear, efficient path to success,” she said. Ross helps host resume workshops that promote skills acquired in the service. She organizes events for military students and their families, such as a celebration coming up on Thursday, Nov. 13. It will be held in the veterans lounge, a designated space on COTC’s Newark campus. Once military-affiliated students graduate, Ross helps recognize them during COTC commencement ceremonies by bestowing on them special cords.

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pause to remember those who have served and reaffirm our commitment to helping them succeed in the next chapter of their lives through education and opportunity. “I’m a military dependent myself,” said Berry. “My father served in the Marine Corps for 28 years, so I know the unmatched leadership, discipline and life experience these military and veteran students bring into our classrooms. We’re grateful for their service and dedication, and we at COTC are committed to honoring and reciprocating that service.”

To learn more about our resources for military-affiliated students, visit go.cotc.edu/veterans or email ross.850@mail.cotc.edu.