The highly-anticipated 2nd Annual Southeast Kansas Veteran Student Services Providers Symposium convened on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas. This symposium represents a dynamic consortium of 12 leading educational institutions in southeast Kansas, united to advance the cause of veteran students and military-affiliated individuals.
The symposium serves as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and strategies dedicated to enhancing support for veteran students. Esteemed professionals from member colleges gathered to engage with a diverse array of speakers and presenters, all dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans and military-affiliated students, ultimately striving to optimize their educational experiences.
This year's event exceeded all expectations, with a remarkable turnout of 23 dedicated college personnel from 10 distinct institutions, who dedicated an entire day to enriching their knowledge, collaborating with their peers, and nurturing their commitment to better serve our nation's heroes.
The symposium received a warm welcome from Dr. Brian Inbody, President of Neosho County Community College. Attendees were privileged to interact with esteemed representatives from prominent organizations, including the U. S. Department of Education, the U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the Southwestern College Financial Aid Office, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Southeast Kansas Works, and were treated to a captivating motivational presentation by Dr. Dan Nobles, Col. U. S. Army (Ret), who commended attendees for their unwavering dedication to supporting veteran students.
Among the distinguished participants, the following prominent institutions were represented at this year's Symposium:
- Allen Community College
- Butler Community College
- Coffeyville Community College
- Cowley College
- Emporia State University
- Fort Scott Community College
- Independence Community College
- Neosho County Community College
- Pittsburg State University
- Southwestern College
The future promises continued collaboration and progress. The 2024 Symposium is set to take place at the El Dorado campus of Butler Community College, followed by the 2025 Symposium hosted at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. These forthcoming events will further empower the consortium to champion the cause of veteran students and military-affiliated individuals, making a profound impact on their educational journeys.