WEST PLAINS, Mo. – On Aug. 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for veterans went into effect, giving members of the military who have served for 90 days or more since Sept. 10, 2001, a variety of educational benefits, including coverage of tuition and fees for post-secondary coursework.  Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains remind area veterans these benefits can be used at the local campus.

Area veterans interested in taking classes this fall at Missouri State-West Plains can use these benefits immediately, university officials explained.  Regular registration for the 2011 fall semester continues through Aug. 21, and late registration runs from Aug. 22-26.

Thanks to a $386,776 grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the 2010 Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success Program, which was awarded in October 2010 to Missouri State University for use on its Springfield and West Plains campuses, Missouri State-West Plains has been able to establish a Veterans Incentive Program (VIP) Center to help area veterans navigate the enrollment process at the university, as well as provide specialized support for veterans as they complete their studies.

The center, located in room 102 of the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., is fully staffed by director/advisor Veronica Mays, coordinator Mark White and certification official Kristi Huff, and provides a “special place” where veterans can meet, enjoy camaraderie and form their own learning communities, White said.

“The mission of the VIP Center is to support our veterans with a one-stop option that addresses their needs, from enrollment to graduation,” White explained.  “Additionally, they will receive help with emotional, physical and financial problems through direct services at the VIP Center, as well as through referrals to key campus and off-campus resources.”

The center, he said, includes a spacious lounge equipped with comfortable furniture, a coffee maker, refrigerator, computer stations and tutors.  Professional staff also are available to guide veteran students through whatever experiences they encounter during their educational journey, White added.

“The goal of the center is to provide veterans with a place of their own where they can gather and a resource team made up of dedicated professionals across campus, all with the common goal of helping veterans reach their highest career potential through access to and full utilization of higher education leading to graduation,” White said.

Area veterans wishing to use their educational benefits can contact the VIP Center by calling 417-255-7223 or 417-255-7720 or via e-mail at WPVeteranServices@missouristate.edu.  Center staff will help each veteran with the process of obtaining their educational benefits and guide them throughout their educational journey, White said.
For more information about the VIP Center, visit http://wp.missouristate.edu/veteranservices/.