Cory Shay, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom with experience in helping veterans transition from military to academic life, has been selected as director of ϳԹ's Military Resource Center.
Shay will begin his work at IUP on May 5. He is currently serving as coordinator of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success at the Community College of Allegheny County.
“I'm very pleased and proud that IUP has stepped up to create the Military Resource Center and provide a central place for those to whom we owe so much,” IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. “IUP takes pride in being recognized in national publications for its service to student veterans and in being a Yellow Ribbon institution, and we are committed to doing what we can to enhance what we do for this population.
“Navigating through the programs and opportunities available to veterans to support higher education can be a challenge,” he added. “The Military Resource Center is designed to serve our student veterans by helping them to find the guidance and information they need to complete their educational goals and by enhancing the sense of community they share with other students in similar circumstances.”
Driscoll also recognized Captain David Sabulsky for his service as interim director of the MRC.
“Captain Sabulsky has done an excellent job helping to establish the role of the center for our students who are veterans. Mr. Shay will certainly be able to build on the strong foundation he has established.”
In his role at CCAC, Shay is responsible for day-to-day grant activities under the direction of the project director. He also supervises success coaches for student veterans at three CCAC campuses and supervises the veterans club of the Allegheny campus of CCAC.
“I would like to thank IUP for this wonderful opportunity to be the director of its Military Resource Center,” Shay said. “IUP's commitment to serve its military-connected and veteran student population is impressive. The Military Resource Center is proof of that commitment. I look forward to building the MRC into a first-rate facility that can serve the needs of IUP's veteran and military-connected students.”
At CCAC, Shay was selected for the President's Innovation Award. He is a member of the Society for Instructional Technology in Teaching and Education and has published and presented a paper, “Educational Websites, the Time Saving, Money Saving, Environmental Solution to Education.”
His military awards include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the NCO Leadership Development Ribbon.
IUP's Military Resource Center opened in January. Located in Pratt Hall, it includes a conference room, an area for one-on-one counseling and assistance completing required paperwork for receiving military benefits and a lounge area. The MRC is funded through the President's Strategic Initiatives program at IUP.