TCC receives collegiate Purple Star Campus designation 

Jim Murdaugh

Special to the Outlook

Tallahassee Community College has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star Campus in recognition of its commitment to supporting military students and their families as they transition to a college environment. 

This designation was established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June 2023. TCC is one of the first three higher education institutions in Florida to receive the designation.

“We hope this important designation will serve as a beacon for any active military and veteran students and their families who choose to come to TCC,” said TCC president Jim Murdaugh, Ph.D. “We have long been known as a military-friendly college, and we will continue to invest in efforts that support these valued students during their time here. It is our honor to serve those who have served our country.”

According to the Florida Statutes, in order to qualify for the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, an institution must meet all the listed requirements, which include having a designated military liaison name and contact, maintaining a military webpage, and establishing a student-led transition program. Additionally, the institution has to implement professional development programs for staff on issues relating to military students, and offering priority registration for military students and families.

TCC is ranked among the nation’s top 20 percent of colleges and universities for veterans, having been recognized as a military-friendly college by Military Advanced Education magazine’s guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities and Victory Media, publisher of the Military Friendly Schools list. Through resources such as the Richard W. and Karen B. Moore Veteran’s Success Center, Stars and Stripes Lounge, Student Veteran’s Association, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program, TCC ensures that military-affiliated students have every opportunity to thrive academically and personally as they pursue their educational goals.