Veterans

Resources for Veterans

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• Yellow Ribbon Program

  Otterbein is proud to be a participant in the national Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program to help U.S. military veterans attend college. Eligible veterans who apply and are accepted to Otterbein are able to attend tuition free. 

  The Yellow Ribbon Program expands the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition for eligible veterans, by working with participating institutions to cover tuition costs higher than the state school fees. The VA will cover a portion of a veteran's tuition and Otterbein will provide a grant to pay the remaining amount. In addition, eligible dependents will receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual books and supplies stipend. Service members enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program can also transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children effective Aug. 1, 2009. Click here to go to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs site to learn more about the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  How to Attend Otterbein Under the Yellow Ribbon Program

  • Apply for the program on the GI Bill website. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of coverage.
  • Apply to Otterbein University. If accepted, enroll in the university and mail your certificate of coverage to:
    
    Otterbein University
    Office of the Registrar
    1 South Grove Street
    Westerville, OH 43081
    attn: Laurie Mayhew

  Questions? For questions about your eligibility for the program, see the GI Bill website or call them at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. For questions about Otterbein's involvement in the program:

  • Undergraduate Program - (614) 823-1500
  • Graduate Program - (614) 823-3210

• Veteran Resources Team

  As a small institution of approximately 3,100 students, Otterbein University offers a caring resource team that assists veterans with all facets of transition from military to university life, helping veterans realize their personal educational goals. 

  Members of the Veterans Resource Team may be contacted for additional questions and/or assistance:

  Robert Gatti – Chair
  Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs
  614-823-1250
  rgatti@otterbein.edu
  
  Available for general consultation on all matters involving veteran students, other than VA benefits. In addition, the Student Affairs office offers small emergency loans up to $200; college activities calendar; diversity support; and housing accommodations.

  Monty Bradley
  Chaplain
  614-823-1409
  mbradley@otterbein.edu
  
  Available for pastoral care/counseling. The Chaplain also serves as a facilitator and advisor for the Student Veterans’ Transition Group.

  Laurie Mayhew
  Assistant Registrar
  614-823-1249
  lmayhew@otterbein.edu
  
  VA Benefits Certifying Official

  Phil Bovenizer
  Associate Director, Financial Aid
  Traditional student financial aid
  614-823-1518
  pbovenizer@otterbein.edu

  Andrea Pearch
  Assistant Director of Admission
  Yellow Ribbon contact for undergraduate admission
  614-823-1207
  apearch@otterbein.edu
  
  Available to meet with traditional undergraduate students. 

  Ellen Kasulis
  Director, Academic Support Center
  Academic Support Services
  614-823-1362
  ekasulis@otterbein.edu
  
  Services available through the Academic Support Center:

  • Individual tutoring in math, writing and most content subjects.
  • Accommodations for learning disability, physically handicapping disability, or psychological disability
  • Evenings workshops on specific study strategies: note taking, test taking, learning styles, etc.

  Vicki Miller
  Marketing Coordinator
  Office of Marketing and Communications
  614-823-1839
  vmiller@otterbein.edu
  
  Available for community/corporate outreach and marketing opportunities regarding prospective military and veteran Adult and Transfer Students.

  Veteran's Resources

  • gibill.va.gov – Veterans Administration website 
  • GoArmyEd.com – online resource that allows soliders to apply for funding for post-secondary education 
  • TodaysGIBill.org - online resource from American Council on Education (ACE), a comprehensive college guidance web site designed for returning and about-to-return veterans interested in going to college, as well as family members and dependents receiving transferable benefits. The site offers guidance on college preparation, transferability of credits, institution and program choice, application timelines and benefit eligibility. 
  • militaryfriendlyschools.com – online resource for the top 15 percent of 7,000 colleges and universities chosen by G.I. Jobs as a "military friendly school", doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students