ANGOLA, Ind.- Tri-State University is demonstrating its support for U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through a new veteran scholarship. The TSU Iraqi/Afghanistan Veteran Scholarship will provide 10 eligible veterans with a one year, tuition free education to TSU’s School of Professional Studies.

Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., President of TSU, signed a proclamation affirming his support of the national guard with Duke Ellington, Executive Director and Program Support Specialist of the Indiana Guard and Reserve. The statement of support noted the need for guardsmen and reservist to be supported in every segment of society, highlighting the importance of increased understanding for the role the National Guard plays in national security.

“Mobilized guardsmen and reservists make up nearly half of the force fighting the Global War on Terrorism at home and abroad,” said Ellington. “Tri-State University has not only committed to these men and women, but also the employers that employ them upon returning. So many times mentality has changed after a soldier returns from duty. They are ready to pursue higher education, and Tri-State has afforded them that opportunity.”  

TSU joins over 500 employers already onboard the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Star Employer Program with these scholarships. According to Ellington, the program is headed for record breaking numbers in 2006.

“It is our hope to help these men and women make an easier transition back into civilian life,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “With these ten scholarships, we can make a solid investment into the future of men and women who have risked their lives for this country.”

Scholarship recipients can choose from programs at TSU’s eight locations: North (Angola), Fort Wayne, South Bend, Merrillville, Kendallville, and Howe. The following degrees will be offered: Bachelor’s degree of Applied Management, Bachelor’s degree of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor’s degree of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor’s degree of Science in Human Resources. Candidates will be selected on a “first apply, first select” basis from a pool of applicants returning from active duty within the last 90 days. Students can receive up to 24 credit hours the first year for free.

The program is slated to begin in the summer of 2006 and end in the spring of 2007. Those interested in more information on the TSU Iraqi/Afghanistan Veteran Scholarship should contact Kim Bennett, Director of Admission and Student Financial Planning at 800.347.4878 or 260.665.4438, or e-mail bennettk@tristate.edu.