Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State President, signs a Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, with John McCance, ESGR chair.
Clark State College recently recommitted to being an advocate for the military by signing a Statement of Support with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. As such, Clark State remains committed to honoring the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, providing resources for managers, and recognizing the unique skills and leadership that service members bring to the workforce.
Established in 1972, ESGR is a Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. The organization emphasizes outstanding employer support, raises awareness of service members’ rights and facilitates conflict resolution.
"Clark State College is proud of our unwavering dedication to the military community," said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. "We are deeply committed to providing supports for our veteran and military employees and students, as well as their spouses. We are grateful for the sacrifices they have made for our country and it is our privilege to serve those who have served us."
Clark State has also been recognized as the nation’s number one Military-Friendly School and Military Spouse-Friendly School in the community college category.
“These honors reinforce Clark State's commitment to offering extensive support services, educational pathways and career opportunities for military-affiliated students,” Blondin added.
To maintain its Military Friendly designation, Clark State submitted comprehensive documentation detailing its military programs, compliance with academic policies, student retention and other critical success metrics. The college also provides a 50 percent reduced tuition rate and priority registration for active military, Reserve and Ohio National Guard members, along with their spouses. In 2024, 339 military-affiliated students were enrolled at Clark State.
Clark State is also the first college in Ohio to receive the Purple Heart Campus designation, recognizing its purposeful approach to supporting military-affiliated populations. Further, the college collaborates with the Community College of the Air Force to offer online courses that meet the requirements for the associate of applied science degree.
For more information about Clark State’s military initiatives, visit www.clarkstate.edu.