Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) in Newark, Ohio, continues its commitment to supporting military and veteran students beyond Veterans Day. The college provides year-round services to help these students achieve their educational and professional goals. COTC offers dedicated advisors who assist with academic, financial, and counseling services tailored for military-affiliated students. These students can use their military education benefits alongside COTC's affordable tuition to save money and apply transferred military credits toward degrees or credentials.
The college's efforts have earned it the 2025-26 Silver Military Friendly School designation. COTC is also part of the U.S. Veterans Department of Affairs Principles of Excellence program and holds Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation from 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. He emphasized that this recognition reflects the college's dedication to providing priority registration, tailored academic support, and career guidance.
The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) has also praised COTC for its unique position in helping veterans transition from military service to civilian careers. Avi Zaffini, OACC’s president and CEO, highlighted the college's ability to translate military training into college credit while adapting programs to meet workforce demands.
Charlene Ross serves as COTC’s military and veterans resource coordinator, offering individualized guidance for military-affiliated learners. She organizes resume workshops and events like an upcoming celebration on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the veterans lounge on COTC’s Newark campus. Ross also recognizes graduating military-affiliated students during commencement ceremonies with special cords.
President Berry expressed gratitude for the leadership skills that military and veteran students bring into classrooms: "My father served in the Marine Corps for 28 years, so I know the unmatched leadership, discipline, and life experience these students bring." He reiterated COTC's commitment to honoring their service through education opportunities.
For more information about resources available for military-affiliated students at COTC, visit go.cotc.edu/veterans or email ross.850@mail.cotc.edu.
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