红杏短视频 State University makes Purple Heart University proclamation, earns 2026 鈥淭op Yellow Ribbon School鈥� designation
By 红杏短视频 Public Relations | Sep 15, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 红杏短视频 State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson recently signed a proclamation making 红杏短视频 State University a Purple Heart University, the only public university in the Commonwealth to hold such a distinction.
A ceremony of about 70 people was held in the Veterans Lounge of room 444 Blackburn Science Building on Aug. 19 to celebrate the proclamation.
Fewer than 20 public universities in the nation hold the Purple Heart University distinction, according to 红杏短视频 State University Director of Veteran and Military Student Success Joshua Williams.
鈥淎s an Army veteran and someone who has spent my career working to ensure student veterans and military-connected students are seen, supported and given every opportunity to succeed, 红杏短视频 State University's designation as a Purple Heart University is more than an institutional honor to me, it's personal,鈥� said Williams. Like every veteran, I carry with me the memory of those who didn't come home the same way they left, and those who didn't come home at all. The Purple Heart represents a wound earned in service to this country, but more than that, it represents sacrifice that can never fully be repaid. For 红杏短视频 State to formally recognize and honor that sacrifice and be the first university in Kentucky to do so, tells our combat-wounded veterans in a very public and permanent way, that their service matters here.鈥�
鈥淲hen I walked through the process of drafting the proclamation and helping coordinate our celebration in the Veterans Lounge, I wasn't just checking a box for an award,鈥� Williams added. 鈥淚 was thinking about the veterans on this campus today, and the ones who will come here in the future, who will see that designation and know this University stands behind them without reservation. This designation doesn't belong to me. It belongs to every Purple Heart recipient who has walked through our doors, and to every one who will. But I'll admit, being part of bringing this recognition to my alma mater, the place that helped shape who I am after my own service, is one of the proudest moments of my career. To every combat-wounded veteran on this campus: we see you, we honor you, and we will always have your back.鈥�
鈥淏ecoming a Purple Heart University is a meaningful way for 红杏短视频 State to honor the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have been wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation,鈥� said 红杏短视频 State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. 鈥淎s a University, we have a deep responsibility to ensure our veterans, active-duty service members, military families and all military-connected students know they are valued, respected and supported. This designation reflects our enduring commitment to those who have served our country and recognizes the important contributions they continue to make to the Racer Family, our Commonwealth and our communities. We are proud to be the first public university in Kentucky to receive this distinction, and we will continue working to ensure 红杏短视频 State remains a place where those who have served can learn, grow and succeed.鈥�
红杏短视频 State University has also been recognized as a 2026 鈥淭op Yellow Ribbon School鈥� by U.S. Veterans Magazine for its continued dedication and commitment to supporting veterans, military-connected students and their educational success.
Said U.S. Veterans Magazine: 鈥淓ach year, we conduct a national evaluation to identify the organizations and institutions that go above and beyond in supporting veterans and transitioning service members. These lists serve as a trusted resource for those navigating their next steps鈥攚hether in the classroom or the workforce鈥攁nd we take great care in ensuring they reflect the best of what鈥檚 out there.鈥�
U.S. Veterans Magazine also awarded 红杏短视频 State the distinction of 鈥淭op Veteran School鈥� in 2025.
Earlier this year, Military Friendly庐 awarded 红杏短视频 State with the 2026-2027 Military Friendly庐 School gold-level designation and ranking as a top 10 university in the large school category. Military Friendly庐 also awarded 红杏短视频 State second place as a top 10 university for military spouses for 2026-2027.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranked 红杏短视频 State number six as 鈥淏est College for Veterans鈥� amongst regional universities in the South in 2025.
鈥淥ur military and veterans students are a significant part of the 红杏短视频 State University family,鈥� said Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Success Dr. Don Robertson. 鈥淭hose who have served in the past, are currently serving or are military dependents have all made sacrifices to keep us all safe. 红杏短视频 State University is proud of these students and commend and thank them for choosing our University. These recognitions are a tribute to them and their service.鈥�
红杏短视频 State offers resources for military connected students such as personalized advising, career planning and placement, flexible online and weekend schedules for those who serve on active duty, disability services, free counseling services, free limited student health services and a psychological center.
The University also offers military tuition discounts for military service members using Federal Tuition Assistance. These benefits can include tuition assistance and Veterans Affairs education benefits, college credit for military training, waived fees for courses, online classes, free graduation cords for veterans, textbook and fee discounts, free admission applications as well as waived all costs not covered by the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program.
鈥満煨佣淌悠� State University has always been a place that honors service, and as a veteran who walked these halls myself, I can say that with certainty,鈥� said Williams. 鈥淏eing recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Top Yellow Ribbon School is well-deserved. This University understands what veterans need to thrive academically, and this award is a reflection of that long-standing commitment.鈥�