PRESS RELEASE: MAY 26, 2026

SJR State Earns Collegiate Purple Star Veteran Designation

Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation

Florida is committed to being the most military‐friendly state in the nation. The Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation, established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis in June 2023, recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military students and families as they transition to the college environment.

St. Johns River State College is officially designated as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for the services it provides at all sites to all active military and veteran students and their families.

SJR State will maintain its designation as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for three (3) academic calendar years and is listed on the Florida Department of Education’s Collegiate Purple Star Campuses webpage.

According to SJR State President Joe Pickens, SJR State is committed to connecting military service members, veterans and their families with the services and resources they need to reach their personal and academic goals.

“At SJR State, we understand the unique challenges Veterans face when returning to civilian life and the importance of investing in their future,” Pickens said. “We recognize their service and strive daily to match that level of commitment as they transition into higher education and develop their strengths and skills into a new career path.”

For more information about SJR State’s student veteran programs, visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/veterans.