Assisting veterans with programs designed to forge new paths in their careers and lives has become a key element for many colleges and universities across metro Atlanta. Two higher education institutions in particular—Life University and Chattahoochee ­Technical College—have worked diligently to expand and enhance their offerings to ensure that those who have served their country can make smooth and successful transitions into new career opportunities after their service ends. The schools aim to assist veterans by helping them assimilate into campus life and educate them about available resources and support as they examine the options that lie ahead. Here, KNOWAtlanta Magazine looks at both schools and the unique ways they are placing veterans at the forefront of their programs.

Life University

Life University recently opened a new Center for Veterans Services and Engagement, which was designed to recognize the commitment that student veterans have provided selflessly to the university and the country. The center, which opened its doors after a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in July of 2024, focuses on offering specialized services to assist veterans and military students in achieving their personal and professional goals, connecting them with peers and networking events to build a sense of community and working with university departments to holistically support those veterans. Its objectives represent Life University’s dedication to supporting veterans and their unique needs.

“The creation of the Center for Veteran Services and Engagement reflects Life University’s deep respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of our military and veteran students,” says Dr. Rob Scott, president of Life University. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where these students can achieve their full potential."

In addition to targeted resources that include specialized programs and services tailored to assist military and veteran students in achieving their educational and career goals, as well as its effort to help military and veteran students build a support network that enhances their university experience, the center develops partnerships with university departments to ensure that military and veteran students receive comprehensive assistance across all aspects of their university life and strives to acknowledge veterans’ sacrifices and contributions to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Veterans can visit the Life University website for more information and learn about tuition assistance.

Chattahoochee Technical College

Chattahoochee Technical College is ranked in the Top 10 Military Friendly Schools for 2024-25, and it’s clear to see why. The resources available at the college vary, with everything from the Superior Plumbing Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR) on its Marietta campus to the Green Zone and a veterans mentorship program.

In April of 2022, Chattahoochee Tech opened the VECTR Center to support veteran students and their dependents through their academic transition as they their translate military skills and experience into training programs for high-demand careers. The center assists many of the 455 veterans enrolled at Chattahoochee Tech. Some of the popular programs for veterans include healthcare sciences, cybersecurity and interdisciplinary studies. Currently more than 1,200 veterans have directly sought services at the facility (including walk-ins), while another 300 have emailed or called for assistance with education benefits and disability claims or to seek resources for housing and counseling. What’s more, the Office of Career Development and the Counseling Department are located inside the center, giving veteran students easy access to additional key support.

The VECTR Center was established through a $500,000 donation to the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation by Jay Cunningham, president of Superior Plumbing, along with a $2.25 million appropriation from the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Power donated $50,000 in 2023 to support the center, which represents a successful partnership with state and local leaders that benefits veterans and the business community. Veterans are educated and trained for the workforce, while local industry gains highly skilled talent.

Several resident service providers offer assistance at the VECTR Center as well, including Connecting Cobb Veterans, the Georgia Department of Veteran Services and the VA Marietta Vet Center, among others, which are there to assist with everything from emergency lodging and benefits assistance to mental health counseling for depression. Veteran group meetings and training also are provided at the center with a classroom, flex room, interview room and a huddle room.

The Green Zone, which is a program from the Technical College System of Georgia, creates awareness and education about military culture and helps service members trying to reacclimate to civilian and college life, according to Michael Payne, director of veteran services at Chattahoochee Tech, who was honored as Veteran Champion of the Year in Higher Education by the Military Friendly organization. He says, “The Green Zone helps faculty and staff provide supportive services necessary to ensure that veteran students or veteran family members are successful in their family pursuits, adjust to the campus environment and eventually transition to civilian employment.”

One of the key goals of the Green Zone is to create safe places for veterans, with faculty and staff across the campus being identified as participants who have knowledge about issues facing veterans and their family members with a Green Zone emblem placed outside their office doors. Additionally, veteran students can relax in the Jim Cunningham Veterans Lounge, as well as meet with Chattahoochee Tech’s VA certifying official whenever necessary.

Finally, the Veteran Mentorship Program creates peer support among veterans to help them in the classroom, as well as transition into the workplace. New veteran students are paired with long-standing veteran counterparts on campus, who are there to help guide the new students as they move into academic—and civilian—life. Through the program, participating veterans gain career development opportunities, have a chance to demonstrate strengths and explore potential and expand their career network by building camaraderie with a fellow veteran. It’s just one more way that Chattahoochee Tech strives to help those who have served reach their full potential.