Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz
ASHLAND, Ohio – The State of Ohio awarded Ashland University $935,000 in support of its Military Family & Veteran Services program, as part of the 2026-27 fiscal budget and signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine.
Ashland’s total enrollment currently includes more than 400 military-connected students, and with this additional funding, it will look to provide more Ohio-based veterans with an opportunity to thrive in a supportive, understanding environment tailored to their unique needs.
"I’m glad to see Ashland University receive this funding for its outstanding Military Family & Veteran Services program,” stated State Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-District 22). “I know that these funds will be used to support those who selflessly support us. I’m proud to have backed this funding in Ohio’s recent operating budget and look forward to seeing students benefit from it.”
“I’m proud to see the State of Ohio continue its strong commitment to supporting our veterans through this investment in Ashland University’s Military and Veteran Services program. This funding recognizes the important role AU plays in helping our servicemembers and their families transition, learn and thrive. Ashland’s leadership in serving those who have served our nation reflects both the university’s mission and the values we hold dear as Ohioans,” added State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).
“We are grateful for this support from the state legislators, State of Ohio and Governor DeWine’s administration,” remarked Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of AU. “It is a great honor to serve those who have served our country. With the state’s additional financial backing, we look forward to providing support, educational programming and outreach to veterans in Ohio.”
The funding is broken up into three areas:
· Targeted veteran support and programming
· Individualized recruitment and staffing
· Veteran outreach and transition services
Veteran wellness initiatives highlight the new programming and services that will be offered, including suicide awareness and prevention and Purple Star outreach, which ensures both mental health support and the community engagement necessary for veterans’ well-being.
About half of the funds will go toward adding essential personnel who will be charged with administering and supporting the expanded services for AU’s military and veteran families.
Plans are also in place for new comprehensive outreach efforts to enhance veteran services, career readiness and transition support across Ohio.
AU has received a series of honors for its support of military-connected students and their families within the last five years, which coincides with the launch of the Jack W. Liebert Military & Veteran Resource Center on the main campus. AU was an inaugural member of the Collegiate Purple Star campuses and one of 16 National Partner institutions with the
National Veterans Leadership Foundation, while Randy Spade, executive director of admissions, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot Award.
“Our commitment to military-connected students and their families at AU is second-to-none,” Spade said. “Now, with this extra funding, our team can assist more veterans. They have our ultimate respect and admiration, and taking care of the men and women who protect and serve us civilians is the best thing we can do to support our patriotic duty.”
Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz