Mansfield University named Best for Vets by Military Times
MANSFIELD, Pa. – Mansfield University was recently named to Military Times 2021 Best for Vets: Colleges list.
Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive rankings of schools for military service members and veterans, helping them make important decisions about their education. Military Times annually ranks participating colleges and universities based on which ones do the most for U.S. veterans.
Mansfield was one of just six Pennsylvania State System universities to receive the distinction in 2021.
More than 300 schools participated in the latest Best for Vets: Colleges survey, which included more than 70 questions seeking details about the school’s costs, programs, policies and services that impact military-connected students. Federal data from the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense, were also considered.
The 2021 Best for Vets: Colleges list can be found on the Military Times website at colleges.militarytimes.com.
Mansfield University receives Military Friendly School designation for 10th consecutive year
MANSFIELD – Mansfield University was named to the 2021-22 Military Friendly® School list, marking the 10th consecutive year receiving the distinguished honor.
The Military Friendly Schools list has set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.
“I am very proud of Mansfield University and all of our faculty and staff for making veterans and military-connected students such a high priority, even during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” President Charles Patterson said.
Mansfield met and exceeded six standards in the Military Friendly Rating including Academic Policies & Compliance, Admissions & Orientation, Culture & Commitment, Financial Aid & Assistance, Graduation & Career, and Military Student Support & Retention.
Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization sends care packages to local National Guard unit
MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO) organized a care package drive for the local National Guard unit from Wellsboro currently serving abroad in Poland.
The National Guard unit includes three Mansfield University employees in Jason Welch, Rusty Wood, and Ben Vanloon. The unit has been on rotation in Poland since the spring of 2019.
MUSVO collected donations from nearly a dozen locations in the area and sent 14 boxes of snacks, personal care products, and Mansfield gear to the unit. The effort was led by MUSVO President Emily Davidson and Vice President Andrew Whitehead with assistance from other members of the student veteran group and Mansfield University employees.
The unit is scheduled to return to the U.S. in early 2020.
Mansfield University honors Veterans at Annual Luncheon
MANSFIELD, Pa. – Mansfield University honored military students, staff, faculty, administration, and alumni at the annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at North Manser Dining Hall on Thursday.
Tioga County Commissioner Roger Bunn, a retired career Navy veteran, was the guest speaker for the event. Bunn was introduced by Tim Cleveland, the Director of Tioga County Veterans Affairs.
Dr. Josh Battin, Dean of College of Arts & Humanities and USMC veteran, introduced the Military Scholarship recipients and the Shirey-Cromley Yellow Ribbon Award. The MU Military Scholarships were awarded to Dain Becker, Dalton Clarkson, Emma Criswell, Chad McElwee, Joshua Osten, Alexander Repetz, Isabella Saski, Alexis Snyder, Jonathan Ward, and Andrew Whitehead. Joseph Crance was the recipient of the Shirey-Cromley Yellow Ribbon Award.
SFC George Sumrall, Military Science Instructor, and the Mansfield University ROTC presented the colors and music major Carson White delivered the National Anthem. Dr. Charles Patterson, President of Mansfield University, gave the welcome at the lunch.
Andrew Whitehead, Coast Guard veteran and Vice President of the Student Veterans Organization spoke about the Missing Man Table. The Mansfield Veterans Support Group and the MU Chapter of the Student Veterans of America were introduced by Roger Maisner, Coordinator of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Mansfield Students Honor Deployed Soldiers on RED Friday
MANSFIELD, Pa. (18 NEWS) - Dozens of Mansfield University students gathered on the football field on RED Friday to honor soldiers currently deployed.
Drone footage captured them standing to spell out the word 'RED' which is an acronym for 'Remember Everyone Deployed.'
"Events like this are held all over the country, so this isn't just unique, but it is very personal to our campus," Jason Welch, the advisor of MU's student veterans organization, said. "I'm a veteran. I'm a veteran of Afghanistan and a lot of the student veterans here really kind of identify with remembering all of the people that are deployed."
Students were given red t-shirts and wristbands before heading out to the field to look uniform on camera. They also filled out postcards to send to our troops.
Larry Anderson, who is a Vietnam veteran and student at Mansfield, says families of those deployed deserve the same recognition as the soldiers and he's happy to see what's being done.
"I'm proud that I'm a part of it here at Mansfield University and that these students come out to show their support for our fighting men overseas," Anderson said.
The overall message is to let our deployed soldiers know that we are thinking of them and will never forget them.
This was the fourth annual RED Friday event that the school held.
Student Veteran Organization Members Attends National Conference
MANSFIELD, PA— Four members of the Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO) attended the 10th annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference in San Antonio, TX January 4-6. The Conference theme was “Defining Our Future.”
Mike Counterman, Emily Davidson, Robert Lenahan and Mark Taylor attended the conference, which featured speakers, workshops, breakout sessions and other opportunities to share information with their peers and higher education and business professionals.
The SVA National Conference is the largest annual gathering of service members, veterans, advocates, thought-leaders, stakeholders and supporters in higher education in the world.
The MUSVO received financial support from the MU Student Government Association (SGA), MU Veterans Support Group, and Mansfield Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 757 and did fundraising in order to attend the conference.
Student Veterans Group Hosts Mental Wellness BBQ
The Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO) did its part to try and relieve some of the stress of finals week by hosting a Mental Wellness BBQ on Monday, May 8.
Using a $500 grant from the national Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), MUSVO provided free lunch to students and the entire campus community on the Student Mall. MUSVO members, as well as MU cabinet and staff members, manned the grills and serving lines.
The event also included groups from the MU Counseling Center, Department of Psychology, Psychology Club, Social Work Club, Bath VA and Williamsport Vet Center distributing self-care and mental wellness information.
Johnny Cash Tribute to Benefit MUSVO
Terry Lee Goffee and his band will perform the “Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute” at Straughn Hall on Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
A portion of the ticket sale proceeds will benefit the Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO).
The mission of MUSVO is to provide veterans and current service members with the resources, assistance, direction, and support necessary for the successful transition from military to civilian life.
In addition to KC 101 and the Office of Student Activities, Papa V’s Pizzeria in Mansfield and the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro have signed on as co-sponsors of the concert.
“I would like to thank each of these local area business sponsors for supporting this very special live concert event that also supports our Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization,” Steve Plesac, director of Student Activities and Programming, said.
Goffee brings the music of the country legend to life on stage with hit songs like Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues and Ring of Fire. He has performed his tribute across the U.S. and in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2009 he was selected to provide the moves for the Johnny Cash character in the video game Guitar Hero 5.
The MU branch of the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) PSECU has purchased 48 student concert tickets for the concert and is making them available for free to Mansfield students on a first come – first served basis. Students can stop in the PSECU Office located in lower Manser Hall and show your student ID card.
“PSECU is a great supporter of our students and Mansfield University,” Plesac said. “I want to thank them for making sure a group of our students will get to enjoy this great concert.”
MU Student Veteran Organization Receives Donation for Memorial Project
Walsh/Granite Joint Venture (JV) donated more than $2,000 to the Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO) on Thursday, April 6. The money will be used to build a Veterans Memorial Patio on campus.
The presentation took place at the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new bridge that Walsh/Granite JV built on Route 549 in Jackson Township. This is the first bridge completed as part of the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project in Pennsylvania. Walsh/Granite JV is the joint-venture team leading construction.
Walsh/Granite JV has made a commitment to support veterans in the area’s their completing work around the Commonwealth. MUSVO was identified for their efforts in providing student-veterans with the resources, assistance, direction and support necessary for the successful transition from military to civilian life.
“I cannot thank you enough,” MUSVO President Cecil Cooper said. “You have no idea how much this will touch all the veterans on campus.”
Plans for the Veterans Memorial Patio are being finalized. It will be constructed in an area between Memorial and Alumni Halls. The site will serve as a gathering place for the campus community and honor all Mansfield graduates who have served in the Armed Forces.
Student Veteran Leadership Attends National Conference
Officers of the Mansfield University Student Veterans Organization (MUSVO) attended the ninth annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference in Anaheim, CA January 5-7th. The Conference theme was “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
President Cecil Cooper, Vice President Amanda Porcano, Treasurer Jesse Olson and Secretary Adam Richardson attended the conference, which featured speakers, workshops, breakout sessions and other opportunities to share information with their peers and higher education and business professionals.
Since 2008, the SVA National Conference has been the largest annual gathering of service members, veterans, advocates, thought-leaders, stakeholders and supporters in higher education in the world.
The MUSVO received financial support from the MU Student Government Association (SGA) and Mansfield Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6757 in order to attend the conference. The organization also held a Chili Cook-Off at the Mansfield VFW to raise funds.
Canton VFW Supports SVA Chapter with Donation
Canton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 714 has donated $1,000 to Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter at Mansfield University to support the chapter’s efforts on behalf of veteran students.
Mansfield's SVA chapter is part of a national coalition of over 1,300 student veteran organizations in all 50 states. MU's veteran students have access to all SVA services, including scholarships.
Veterans Support Group Raises Awareness of Green Light Campaign
Approaching the Mansfield University Military Resource Center in Alumni Hall, Room 138, people will notice a green light above the entrance. While the light adds to the holiday spirit on campus, its true purpose is to signal the MU Veterans Support Group’s participation in the Green Light A Vet campaign.Greenlight A Vet is a national campaign to establish support for our veterans and military by changing one visible light in a home or business to green.“To date, there are more than nine million online supporters of this program and countless more who have lit a green light at their residence,” Roger Maisner, coordinator of Military & Veteran Affairs, said.Maisner points out that there are several businesses and homes in the Mansfield area who are already displaying a green light. To find out more about the campaign, go to "https://greenlightavet.com"
Military Resource Center Dedicated
The new Military Resource Center at Mansfield University was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, November 10th. Cecil Cooper, MU Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter president, thanked all those responsible for donating to and supporting the effort that made the Military Resource Center possible before he and Treasurer Jesse Olen cut the ribbon to officially open the Center.
“This space is an area where veterans can go and get away from everything, be around fellow veterans and have that comfort zone,” Cooper said. “Sometimes the place a veteran feels most at home is when we’re surrounding by other veterans. This gives all of our student veterans a home here at Mansfield.”
Located in Alumni Hall, Room 138, the Military Resource Center has computers, study space, a TV, refrigerator and microwave for student veterans to use. It is also where the SVA Chapter will hold meetings.
The SVA Chapter received a grant from the Home Depot Foundation that paid for most of the furnishings.
In addition to Cooper and Olsen, Amanda Brown is SVA vice-president, Adam Richardson is secretary and Eric Grant serves as quartermaster. The Chapter is advised by Jason Welch, purchasing agent and staff sergeant in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
MU Veterans Honored at Luncheon
Mansfield University honored students, faculty and staff who are serving or have served in the U.S. military with a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, November 10th in North Manser Hall. Thomas A. Brown, Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) State Commander and Navy veteran, was the guest speaker. "Veterans Day salutes all who serve, regardless of where and when," Brown said. "It is our day, which we equally share with our families who serve and sacrifice alongside of us. We honor the sacrifices of 22 million living veterans who have served our country for liberty and justice." MU President Fran Hendricks, who served 33 years in the US Air Force after graduating from Mansfield, retiring as a Brigadier General, thanked the veterans and active duty personnel at the event. "This luncheon is for you and for all who have answered our nation's call and made it possible that individuals can come to a school such as this in pursuit of their life's dreams and aspirations," Hendricks said. An ROTC Color Guard, commanded by Staff Sergeant Jason Welch, Pennsylvania National Guard and purchasing agent at MU, presented the colors at the luncheon. Music technology major Rachel Lehman sang the national anthem. Pastor Thadius Sales, an MU student and Army veteran, delivered the Missing Man Table salute and the invocation. The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon was sponsored by Mansfield VFW Post 6757, Morris Run American Legion Post 167, Arnot Sportsmen's Cub, Blossburg American Legion Post 572, Troy Vets Club, Mansfield University Advancement Office, Bret Buterbaugh, Robert Rosenberg, Scott and Pam Boyce, Wade and Tanya Reese, Roger Maisner, Mindy Engel, Bonnie Phelps and Dusty Zeyn. The event organized by the MU Military &Veteran Affairs Office.
Veterans Support Group Raises Awareness of Green Light Campaign
MANSFIELD, PA—Approaching the Mansfield University Military Resource Center in Alumni Hall, Room 138, people will notice a green light above the entrance. While the light adds to the holiday spirit on campus, its true purpose is to signal the MU Veterans Support Group’s participation in the Green Light A Vet campaign.
Greenlight a Vet is a national campaign to establish support for our veterans and military by changing one visible light in a home or business to green.
“To date, there are more than nine million online supporters of this program and countless more who have lit a green light at their residence,” Roger Maisner, coordinator of Military & Veteran Affairs, said.
Maisner points out that there are several businesses and homes in the Mansfield area who are already displaying a green light.
To find out more about the campaign, go to greenlightavet.com
For information about academic programs and support for military and veterans at MU, go to mansfield.edu/military-veterans or email rmaisner@mansfield.edu.
Social Work Club Delivers Fruit Baskets; Provide Christmas to Needy Families
MANSFIELD, PA— Members of the Mansfield University Social Work Club, joined by members of the Student Veterans of America, packed and delivered fruit baskets to MU students, faculty and staff on Thursday, just in time for finals week.The long running fundraiser by the Social Work Club provides healthy snacks to fuel the studying, testing, grading and support work that will be going on as the semester comes to a close next week. Many of the baskets included a positive message from whoever ordered them.
Most of the money raised this year is being used to provide Christmas to two local families in need. If anyone is interested in donating to this cause, contact Tiffany Welch, Social Work Club advisor, at twelch@mansfield.edu
Student Veterans of America and Social Work Club Deliver Fruit Baskets; Provide Christmas to Needy Families
MANSFIELD, PA— Members of the Mansfield University Social Work Club, joined by members of the
Student Veterans of America, packed and delivered fruit baskets to MU students, faculty and staff on
Thursday, just in time for finals week.The long running fundraiser by the Social Work Club provides
healthy snacks to fuel the studying, testing, grading and support work that will be going on as the
semester comes to a close next week. Many of the baskets included a positive message from whoever
ordered them.Most of the money raised this year is being used to provide Christmas to two local families
in need.
Senator Scarnati to Speak at Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
MANSFIELD, PA—Pennsylvania Senator Joe Scarnati, President Pro Tem of the state Senate, will be the guest speaker at the Mansfield University Veterans Appreciation Luncheon held on Monday, November 10, 11:30 a.m. in North Manser Hall.
All MU students, faculty and staff who are Veterans, Reserves or Active Duty Military are invited to the luncheon.
"The MU Veterans Support Group and a number of sponsors want to publicly recognize the service and sacrifice of all our men and women who have or are serving in any of the branches of our Armed Services," Roger Maisner, coordinator of Military &Veteran Affairs, said.
This will be the second annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon held at MU. Mansfield President Fran Hendricks, a retired Air Force Brigadier General, was the speaker at last year's inaugural event.
For more information on the luncheon, email veteran-support@mansfield.edu
For information about academic programs and support for Military and Veterans at MU, go to mansfield.edu/military-veterans
The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon is sponsored by the MU Military &Veteran Affairs Office.
Morris Run Legion Contributions to Military Scholarship Fund
MANSFIELD, PA— The Morris Run, PA American League Post 167 has contributed $3,000 to the Members of the Military Scholarship Fund at Mansfield University.
Post Commander Andrew Beaderman made the presentation to MU President Fran Hendricks.
“The American Legion Post 167 places high priority on furthering ones education,” Beaderman said. “Mansfield University gave us an opportunity to donate for scholarships to assist our fellow veterans.”
“On behalf of our veteran and active duty students who will benefit from this, we thank the Morris Run Legion for their support,” Hendricks said. “We also thank the Legion members for their service in defense of our nation.”
“Mansfield University is very fortunate to have partnerships with strong local organizations, such as the Morris Run American Legion, who believe that it is a priority to assist those who have served our country reach their educational goals,” Josh Battin, coordinator of Military and Veteran Affairs and assistant professor of Criminal Justice Administration,” said. “We cannot thank Commander Beaderman and the members of American Legion Post 167 enough for their contributions to this effort.
The Members of the Military Scholarship Fund, administered through the Mansfield University Foundation, was established in 2014 to provide recognition and financial assistance to veterans and active-duty personnel to assist and enable them to pursue a college.
The scholarship fund is supported by private contributions and are offered to eligible current members of the military and veterans who have been honorably discharged from military service.
To learn more about contributing to the Members of the Military Scholarship Fund, go to mansfield.edu/support-mu/
To learn more about the support and benefits offered to veterans and military personnel at Mansfield, go to the Military & Veterans Educational Benefits website.
MU Veterans Support Group Awards Scholarships
Eighteen Mansfield University students who are veterans were awarded scholarships at the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, November 10.
The scholarship funds, totaling more than $18,000 have been raised by the MU Veterans Support Group, which is comprised of faculty, staff and student veterans.
"Special thanks to Dr. Josh Battin, chair of the Criminal Justice Administration Department, who has established a direct outreach and partnership with area VFW's, American Legions and Vet Clubs, along with Annie Brooks, Annual Fund Coordinator for the Mansfield University Foundation", Roger Maisner, Coordinator of Military and Veteran Affairs, said.
Organization for Veterans and Military Formed
The Mansfield Military and Veteran’s Organization is open to all students, faculty and staff who have served or are serving in the military. The organization will hold regular meetings and has a Facebook group page that allows for the exchange of information and ideas. [Read more]
General Jerry G. Beck Jr. to Speak at Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
MANSFIELD, PA— Brigadier General (Retired) Jerry G. Beck Jr., deputy adjutant general–Veterans Affairs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will be the guest speaker at the Mansfield University Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to be held onTuesday, November 10, 11:30 a.m. in North Manser Hall.
Beck was appointed to his current position after retiring as Deputy Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in August 2011. He served 34 years, rising through the ranks from private to general.
As deputy adjutant general–Veterans Affairs, Beck supervises the administration of assistance programs for nearly one million veterans and their dependents as well as the operation of the commonwealth's six veteran's homes.
All MU students, faculty and staff who are Veterans, Reserves or Active Duty Military have been invited to the luncheon.
For information about academic programs and support for Military and Veterans at MU, go to mansfield.edu/military-veterans.
The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon is sponsored by the MU Military &Veteran Affairs Office and private contributors.