Santa Fe College officially opened the permanent home of its Veterans and Military Success Services (VMSS) on Wednesday, marking a significant expansion in the institution’s long-standing effort to support student veterans and their families. The center, located in room R-132, serves as a centralized hub for advising, support, and peer gathering, aiming to streamline the transition from military service to civilian higher education.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by an open house and the formal dedication of the space to Lt. General John M. LeMoyne. A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a former Chief of Staff for the Seventh Army in Europe, LeMoyne is a graduate of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School in Gainesville (FL) and the University of Florida. His involvement with the college spans decades, beginning with his initiative to establish a scholarship program that eventually grew to provide more than 50 annual opportunities for veteran students.
“My experience in the military serving these people has changed my life, reinforced my values, and given me meaning,” LeMoyne said during the event. He noted that his advocacy for the college’s veterans has been a collaborative effort with his wife since he retired.
A Centralized Approach to Student Transition
While the institution has maintained a reputation for veteran support for years, the new center aims to address the specific logistical and social challenges that arise during a student veteran’s first semester on campus.
Nick McMillen, a Navy veteran and coordinator for VMSS, emphasized that the visibility of the new office is crucial. “The process for our military students in terms of in getting assimilated into the college in their first semester is different, and we’re really excited to have this space to meet their specific needs,” McMillen stated.
For students like Bryan Rowland, a U.S. Army veteran and current Santa Fe College student, the transition from active duty to the classroom presents unique hurdles. Rowland, who served as a paratrooper and later fought wildfires on the west coast of the U.S., described the academic environment as the most intimidating part of his post-service journey. “VMSS grew into one of the most important parts of my journey — not just for school, but in life,” Rowland said.
College Leadership Frames Veteran Investment as Reciprocal Obligation
The college’s leadership frames the investment in the VMSS as a reciprocal obligation. SF President Paul Broadie noted that the institution’s recognition as “Best for Vets” is the result of a deliberate, department-wide focus on service. “It doesn’t happen by accident,” Broadie said. “We serve them because they served us. They deserve a space where they can gather, where they can be advised, where they can unwind.”
The center’s mandate extends beyond the veterans themselves, encompassing support for the spouses and children of military personnel. By centralizing these services, the college aims to simplify access to educational benefits and academic resources.
As the college continues to refine its support infrastructure, the new hub stands as a physical manifestation of the advocacy work initiated by LeMoyne years ago. The transition from a scholarship-focused model to a central office for dedicated student support marks the latest phase in the college’s strategy to assist its veteran population.
Earlier coverage: Santa Fe College Unveils New LeMoyne Veterans Center
