LEXINGTON PARK, Md., June 17, 2025 — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has been named a 2025-26 Military Friendly® School, securing Silver status in the small community college category and recognition as a Military Spouse Friendly School. The designation underscores CSM’s expanding support for veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents through tailored programs and events, including a Veterans Academic and Community Resource Day held on June 7 at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
The June 7 event, though modestly attended, offered personalized support to participants, connecting them with academic, career, and community resources. Attendees accessed registration assistance, academic and transfer advising, Prior Learning Assessment, and Joint Services Transcript evaluations. CSM’s Veterans Affairs team was joined by campus departments and external partners, including the CSM Veterans Club, Charles County Mediation Center, Maryland Department of Labor, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Project Veteran House, University of Maryland Global Campus, ServingTogether, Wills Group, and Precise Systems.
One first-time CSM student, recently separated from active duty, described feeling “seen, welcomed, and ready to start” after engaging with multiple departments and veteran-serving agencies. “This was a great opportunity to build relationships and showcase the incredible network of support available to our military community,” said Renaldo Walston from the Charles County Veterans Commission. “Even with a smaller turnout, the value of one-on-one engagement was clear.”
CSM’s Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Rebecca Collins, emphasized the college’s commitment to military-affiliated students. “As a college community, we are proud to serve those who have served,” Collins said. “Through initiatives like dedicated VA advising, tailored onboarding, a veterans’ lounge, and strong community partnerships, we are not only honoring their service but actively supporting their success. We’re proud of this recognition and remain committed to making CSM a place where military-affiliated students can find purpose, belonging, and a clear path forward in completing their educational goals.”
The Military Friendly® Schools evaluation, conducted annually, included over 1,800 institutions this year, with only 830 earning awards for exceeding standards in supporting military-connected students. CSM’s Silver designation reflects its robust offerings, such as dedicated advising, a veterans’ lounge, and community partnerships designed to ease the transition to civilian and academic life.
Following the resource day, CSM’s Veterans Affairs team is exploring new outreach strategies, including hosting future events at community spaces like VFW posts and military hubs across Southern Maryland. These efforts align with CSM’s mission to provide coordinated, compassionate support to military families, ensuring access to educational and career opportunities.
The college’s broader veteran services include academic advising, career planning, and transfer support, all tailored to the unique needs of military-affiliated students. CSM also facilitates the evaluation of military experience for academic credit through Joint Services Transcripts and Prior Learning Assessments, helping students accelerate their degree completion.
For more information on CSM’s Veterans Affairs services, visit the college’s dedicated veterans’ page. The college continues to strengthen its role as a hub for military-connected students in Southern Maryland, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and professional success.
