Nicholls earns state’s ‘Military and Veteran Friendly’ designation

Nicholls State University, designated as a "Governor's Military and Veteran Friendly Campus" by Gov. Bobby Jindal, enrolls 198 student veterans who have access to benefits like Shaver Gym's veterans lounge, complete with computers and study areas.​ Photo by Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University, designated as a “Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly Campus” by Gov. Bobby Jindal, enrolls 198 student veterans who have access to benefits like Shaver Gym’s veterans lounge, complete with computers and study areas.​
Photo by Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University

THIBODAUX — Nicholls State University has recently been designated as a “Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly Campus” by Gov. Bobby Jindal and has been recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine.

Jindal’s military friendly designation was created this year to assist veterans in selecting which Louisiana school best fits their needs. This year’s recognition identifies 24 schools that offer tailored veteran admissions policies and support services, application fee waivers, priority class scheduling, career workshops and veteran-specific courses like the veterans-only freshman seminar class instructed by Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy, a retired lieutenant colonel who served 23 years in the U.S. Army.

“Earning military friendly designations year after year validates the effort Nicholls has already made — and continues to make — to accommodate our nation’s veterans who are seeking a quality education,” said Gilberto Burbante, Nicholls coordinator of veterans services. Burbante, a former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard officer, is a three-time Iraq War infantry veteran and 2011 Nicholls graduate.

“The Nicholls Office of Veteran Affairs acts like a military unit,” Burbante said. “We take care of our own here, and that’s how we are able to make an impression and lasting connections with fellow veterans on campus.”

Currently, 198 veterans are enrolled and receiving benefits at Nicholls. The Office of Veterans Affairs acts as a one-stop shop, helping veterans to register for classes, navigate financial aid processes, receive military or transfer credits and even find jobs during the summer break or after graduation. Nicholls also operates a veterans lounge in Shaver Gym to help build community among student veterans and assist in their transition to college life. The Nicholls Veterans Organization provides a social outlet for veteran students, participating in tailgating and other activities.

Members of the military — as well as veterans — receive 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 advisers to serve as veterans advocates. Veterans may consult with these faculty members for information, advice or understanding as they work their way through university rules and regulations.

“Nicholls is committed to supporting our veterans as they work toward earning a college degree,” Murphy said. “We are proud of our military and veteran friendly designation and enjoy helping these individuals achieve continued success.”

For more information about Nicholls’ services for veterans and active service members, call Burbante at 985.448.4208, or click here.

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