THIBODAUX – Former Marine and current Army National Guard officer Gilberto Burbante has joined the Nicholls State University staff as coordinator of veterans services. The Morgan City native and 2011 Nicholls government graduate will be responsible for implementing a standardized program for veteran students.
“I want to personally get to know all veterans at Nicholls, so that they won’t just be a number on my screen,” Burbante said. “My chief goal is to help make the transition to civilian life as seamless as possible for them.”
Burbante said he envisions a community of student veterans all helping each other with school and life issues. He said the veterans’ lounge currently under construction in Shaver Gym, which should be ready for use by the beginning of August, will facilitate that goal.
The three-time Iraq War infantry veteran said he also plans to strengthen the existing services for veterans on campus, which have resulted in G.I. Jobs magazine naming Nicholls a Military Friendly School for three years straight – an honor shared with 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide.
Members of the military – as well as veterans – can expect priority service when enrolling at Nicholls. Admissions criteria are exempted for veterans who have received an honorable discharge, and enrollees may register before the general student population. Nicholls administrators have also identified a group of individual advisors to serve as veterans’ advocates. Students may consult with these faculty members for information, advice or understanding as they work their way through university rules and regulations.
For additional information about Nicholls’ services for veterans and active service members, call Burbante at 985-448-4208 or go to www.nicholls.edu/admission.
