LSU to build new center for vets, military students

February 2017

LSU Veterans & Military Students Services will commence construction on a new center to support student veterans, active military, reservists, guardsmen and their dependents due to a donation from William A. Brookshire, an LSU chemical engineering Ph.D. graduate (’61).

The facility will transform how LSU supports, recruits and retains veterans. The new, 4,600-square-foot center composed of a computer lab, meeting rooms and offices will allow for increased services for military students and families. Additionally, it positions LSU to compete with regional peers in recruiting veteran students.

“Dr. Brookshire’s generous gift allows LSU to take its rich history of military tradition and excellence to an entirely new level,” said LSU President F. King Alexander. “Previously, we took pride in the number of students we saw go into the armed forces. Now, we can also be proud of how we serve them after they have served our country. These brave men and women, as well as their families, deserve all the support we can provide as they pursue their degrees. We thank Dr. Brookshire for making this center a reality.”

LSU recently contracted with architects Jerry M. Campbell & Associates to complete the design and will begin construction immediately following the contractor bid process.

“With a history steeped in military tradition, the Brookshire Military and Veterans Student Center is another physical symbol of LSU’s commitment to those who have served this country. The center positions LSU to better serve veterans, active military and their dependents,” Darrell C. Ray, assistant vice president for student affairs says.

Formally established in 2013, LSU Veteran & Military Student Services, or VMSS, was created to provide intentional outreach, communication and programmatic support for veterans and active duty service members. LSU outreach efforts support our men and women with careful attention to their transition or their return to higher education, academic success and personal development. LSU is currently home to nearly 500 veteran students and 1,630 undergraduate dependents.

Adapted from a press release by LSU’s Heather Herman and Alison Satake. You can find the original article here: http://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2016/11/07academicaffairs_veteranscenter.php#sthash.M8Ovd8Xh.dpuf