Palm Beach State College honored as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus

Palm Beach State College has been awarded the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation by the Florida Department of Education, an affirmation of the College’s commitment to supporting military-connected students.

“It is an honor to receive this designation,” said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “We are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our military members and their families, and PBSC remains dedicated to being a place where they feel supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their educational and career goals.”

The award, established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis in June 2023, recognizes Florida colleges that demonstrate dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for service members, veterans, and their dependents pursuing higher education. PBSC is one of 11 Florida Collegiate Purple Star Schools of Distinction, according to the state’s Department of Education website.

To earn the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, PBSC met rigorous criteria set by the Florida Department of Education, which include:

• Establishing a dedicated point of contact for military-connected students,
• Offering targeted admissions, orientation, and support services,
• Providing professional development for faculty and staff on military-related topics, and
• Implementing policies to support military students called to service.

“We value the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served our country, and this honor highlights the comprehensive resources, services, and support our College offers to help military-affiliated students succeed in their academic and career pursuits,” said U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Luis Torres, PBSC’s military and veterans affairs manager.

In 2018, Palm Beach State opened a comprehensive 2,300-square-foot facility on its Lake Worth campus. Called the Veterans Success Center, it features a lounge for social and recreational activities, computer lab, study areas, conference room and offices for full-time staff. The other four campuses have dedicated centers and/or staff, so that PBSC student veterans can access academic and career advising, financial aid, VA education benefits processing, tutoring, mentoring and disability services. Since 2018, more than 1,131 military-affiliated students have graduated from PBSC.

The Collegiate Purple Star designation is part of Florida's broader Purple Star Campus Program, which aims to help military-connected students transition successfully between schools and into post-secondary education. This designation is valid for three academic calendar years. PBSC has also been designated a “Gold Military Friendly” school and a “Top 10” Military Spouse Friendly school by VIQTORY, a highly regarded military publisher.

Learn more about PBSC’s military support services.