(from left) Operation College Promise staff members Frank Foy, Wendy Lang and William Keyes.
Operation College Promise, a national policy, research and education program that supports the transition and postsecondary advancement of U.S. veterans, is now part of Thomas Edison State University, the largest provider of collegiate programs for active duty service members and veterans in New Jersey.
Operation College Promise, which was established by the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU) in 2008, is now part of the college’s Office of Military and Veteran Education and will complement the institution’s efforts serving veterans, active duty service members and their families. The transition took place on May 15.
“Moving Operation College Promise into our institution helps ensure that we can continue its excellent work in support of our nation’s veterans,” said Louis Martini, associate vice president of Military and Veteran Education at Thomas Edison State University. “This goes beyond the enrollment of veterans. It is about making a larger impact on the lives of those who have served. It positions us to provide career assessment support and help students connect with ancillary services, including housing, childcare and health services.”
The college played a pivotal role in Operation College Promise when the program was selected in 2009 as one of 20 recipients of the American Council on Education/Walmart “Success for Veterans” grants. Operation College Promise created the Certificate for Veterans’ Service Providers program, the nation’s first and most widely disseminated training program for professionals working with veterans, and The OCP Field Guide, the first national resource publication specifically designed for veterans’ service providers. The program has trained over 500 professionals from about 30 states.
“Thomas Edison State University is the perfect setting for the next stage of Operation College Promise,” said Dr. Michael Klein, executive director and chief executive officer of NJASCU. “The association is proud of Wendy Lang, who originally envisioned the program and who continues to be its heart and soul. At Thomas Edison State University, Wendy will continue Operation College Promise's groundbreaking work to support military and veteran students in achieving a college degree.”
Lang serves as director of the program and is joined by William Keyes, associate director; and Frank Foy, outreach specialist.
Toni M. Terry, BA