Coleman Supports New UM Veterans Resource Center
Jeremy Roberts, CFH Director of Operations and Event Services, Andrew Newby, UM Assistant Director – Veteran & Military Services, and Glenn Coleman, CFH Co-Owner
Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford recently donated supplies to the University of Mississippi Student Veterans Association to assist with the set up of a new campus veterans’ center.
The veterans’ center opened in February and serves veteran students who attend The University of Mississippi. The center offers study areas, counseling and financial assistance to student veterans.
There are over 1,300 student veterans attending The University of Mississippi.
Veteran center director Andrew Newby, USMC, said the center was needed to provide support for veterans adjusting to student life.
Andrew Newby speaking with Glenn Coleman about his vision and ideas for the UM Veterans Resource Center
“We feel this effort is necessary,” he said. “If you’ve ever had to write your blood type on your clothes to go to work in the morning, you shouldn’t have to wonder where you can go on campus to find the help you need and the students who share the same experiences with you.”
Newby says the center will provide a space for student veterans to connect.
“Through this effort, we will be able to connect traditional students beginning their military careers with non-traditional students who are eager to share their wisdom and experiences, growing and integrating our campus further,” he said.
Newby said the vision is to eventually house veterans services in a dedicated facility on campus.
Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford was among the initial Lafayette County businesses to provide support for the center through donating supplies. Jeremy Roberts, Director of Operations and Event Services at Coleman Funeral Home, said he is excited to support the center because of the benefits it offers to student veterans.
UM Veterans, students at the University of Mississippi
“They have computer study areas, a textbook library and a place for relaxation. The center is an important place for student veterans on campus and will continue to be. We look forward to continuing to support this important community resource and watching it grow.”
Coleman Funeral Home will continue to support the Student Veterans Association and hopes to pave the way for other local businesses to follow.
Businesses in Oxford can help the Student Veterans Association by joining with them to raise awareness about the association and what they are doing to improve the quality of life of student veterans.
The Student Veterans Association accepts charitable donations from businesses and community members. Donations of food, money, gift cards and general supplies will be given to student veterans to help them support their families.
Community members can also support the Student Veterans Association by purchasing a Student Veterans Association license plate. Proceeds go towards Student Veterans Association operations costs.
To learn more about the Student Veterans Association and the services it provides to student veterans, visit vms.olemiss.edu.
Inside the UM Veterans Resource Center, located in Yerby Hall.
