Otterbein University proudly stands with veterans of the armed forces. Currently, Otterbein has 24 students who identify as veterans.

Beginning in the Fall of 2019, a new veterans recruiter position was established for the first time. Senior History and AYA Social Studies major Chris Roberts will be taking on the role. Chris joined Otterbein in 2015 thanks to forming a relationship with former Dean of Students Bob Gatti. Chris is an eight-year U.S. Marine Corps infantry veteran with three combat deployments: two to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He has been coaching high school football for five years and spent one year as an assistant coach at Otterbein. He currently is an assistant coach at Olentangy Liberty High School. Chris and his wife have two children. Chris looks forward to being active in the Cardinal community and Central Ohio area helping veterans who would like to seek a college education at Otterbein.

John Posey ’20 is a philosophy major from Cleveland who has also served in the Ohio Army National Guard. He is currently working with students to begin a new organization aimed at helping veterans continue their education successfully.

“The Student Veterans and Service Members organization is in its beginning stages on campus, but our overall goal is to make sure these students understand all the resources they have available to them,” said Posey. “I want to make an impact for the troops I serve and at a higher level, and Otterbein encourages us to make a better world.”

In the U.S. News & World Report 2020 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” Otterbein was once again named to the “Best College for Veterans” list.

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

“Our recruitment efforts demonstrate our commitment to students and veterans who are often overlooked by other universities. We see their potential and desire to continue their education, and Otterbein makes a 21st century education affordable for them. Once here, we provide extensive support to ensure they are successful in their transitions to college and their academic careers,” said Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, vice president for enrollment management. For more information on admissions for veteran students to Otterbein, visit Otterbein.edu/Veterans.