Designation recognizes BridgeValley's commitment to serving military-connected students and families

[PHOTO: Jessica Frye, Program Specialist, Veterans' Education and Training Programs; Misi Lair, Director of Veteran Affairs at BridgeValley Community and Technical College; and Rikki McCormick, Director of Veterans' Education and Training Programs. Photo courtesy of BVCTC.]

 

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) has been named one of West Virginia's first Purple Star Award recipients at the post-secondary level, honoring the institution's commitment to serving military-connected students and families.

While the state's Office of Veterans Education and Training (OVET) has previously awarded Purple Star designations to K-12 schools across West Virginia, 2026 marks the inaugural class of colleges and universities to receive the recognition. BridgeValley is proud to be part of this first group of post-secondary institutions honored with the designation.

The Purple Star Award establishes a statewide standard for supporting military-affiliated students and reflects BridgeValley’s commitment to easing the transition into higher education for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families.

According to OVET, Purple Star facilities must demonstrate support for military-connected students through initiatives including:

  • Assigning points of contact to provide guidance and support throughout students' academic journeys
  • Providing dedicated resources and transition support for military-connected students and families
  • Participating in Purple Up Day each April to recognize the strength and resiliency of military children
  • Collaborating with Military Family Points of Contact to share professional development opportunities, best practices, and supportive programming statewide

The program is part of a statewide effort led through initiatives such as the West Virginia Department of Education and the Common Ground Partnership, recognizing the sacrifices military families make in service to the nation.

BridgeValley Community and Technical College’s certifying officials, Misi Lair and Tammy McClanahan, work directly with veterans and military dependents to ensure education benefits are properly certified while providing the support needed for student success.

"It is our privilege to have BridgeValley Community and Technical College in the first class of recipients for the Purple Star Facility Award," said Rikki McCormick (Cook), Ed.D., Director, Veterans’ Education and Training Programs. "Misi and Tammy, our school certifying officials at BridgeValley, have continually gone above and beyond to ensure that veterans and their dependents not only have their education benefits certified, but to ensure that they are successful during their time at BridgeValley. This designation is an outward sign that not only is WV veteran-friendly, but that they can find their next journey with BridgeValley and know that they will be supported all along the way."

For more information about BridgeValley Community and Technical College and its resources for military-connected students, visit www.bridgevalley.edu.