Rep. McNally Congratulates Youngstown State University for Purple Star Designation

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the Ohio Department of Higher Education renewed Youngstown State University (YSU) designation as a Purple Star university. This is a recognition of their continuing efforts to support students with military backgrounds. YSU was first awarded this honor in May of 2022, and schools must apply for renewal after three years.

“I am so proud of YSU’s commitment to their active military and veteran students.  They first received this award in 2022, and I am excited to see that they have continued to serve our active military and veterans with care,” said Rep. McNally.

Ohio was the first state in the nation to offer the Collegiate Purple Star designation. This award builds upon the work of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to award Purple Star designations to preK-12 schools that have worked to become military-friendly. Austintown Fitch High School is part of the 2025 Purple Star Class.

The Collegiate Purple Star designations are determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee. The committee looks at if the university has a dedicated military/veteran point of contact on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, surveying student veterans and servicemembers about needs and challenges, and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers. 

To learn more about this designation, click here.