The Purple Heart is our nation’s oldest military award, introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by then General George Washington in 1782. It is one of the most respected medals that a U.S. military member can receive. Individuals who have received this award are honored nationally each year on August 7th, formally known as Purple Heart Day.
Recently, at a ceremony held on September 15th, Colorado Technical University was recognized as a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). CTU was acknowledged for its support of military members, veterans, their families, and the community. The Purple Heart University recognition is a testament to CTU’s work to create and maintain a higher education institution that is supportive and accessible for all military members, both during and after service.
To quote Dr. David R. Andrews, Maj, USAF (Ret), Commander, Department of Colorado Military Order of the Purple Heart - “CTU has an outstanding record of providing combat wounded veterans and their families and caregivers with the opportunity for higher education through their Patriot Scholarship. CTU goes further by also helping those veterans succeed in the classroom and reach their academic goals. As Colorado’s Department Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a CTU alumnus through the Patriot Scholarship, I am proud to see these two great organizations partner together to help America’s combat wounded heroes and their families realize their full academic potential.”
CTU’s Military History and Military Commitment
In 1965, one determined Air Force veteran wanted to help other military members transition back to civilian life more easily by pursuing an education. CTU’s legacy began when Lt. Col. (ret) Robert “Bob” Turkisher reached out to his friend, Air Force Col. Richard Davis from the Air Force Academy. Davis joined the cause and worked as CTU’s Human Resources Director, concentrating on the important task of maintaining the school’s programs and necessary accreditation. Today, Colorado Technical UniversityTM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
CTU introduced online schooling in the mid-90s and took the commitment to educating career-focused adults into homes coast to coast and continent to continent. CTU is proud to provide innovative online learning options for students, in both the civilian and military walks of life. As part of CTU’s focus on supporting military students, CTU’s MOS Commitment offers a personalized and comprehensive review of all credit, including the Joint Services Transcript (JST), all MOS codes held, any prior education, and professional training or certifications. By adding the MOS in this review, military members may be eligible to receive more credit towards a degree at CTU and potentially earn a degree in less time.
Over 10 Years of the Patriot Scholarship
CTU provides several grant and scholarship opportunities to its military student population. Since 2008 the University has awarded over $9.5 million in scholarships to wounded warriors and their families. The Patriot Scholarship (formerly known as the Wounded Warrior Scholarship) gives back to those whose lives have been altered due to injury while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Scholarship recipients receive full tuition for any eligible CTU degree program, a new laptop, and complimentary hardcopy course materials or e-books. Each individual has the option to pursue their degree either as an online student or at one of CTU’s Colorado campuses in Colorado Springs or Aurora. Additionally, a dedicated Student Success Coach and specially-trained advisors are available to support the recipients throughout their academic journey.
Other Military-Related Honors
Like many universities, CTU strives to meet the academic standards set by accrediting agencies, and professional associations. In 2018, multiple CTU programs were ranked among the list of 2018 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report including the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs rankings for a fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the University was also ranked in the following categories: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs (fourth year in a row), and Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans.
This year CTU was also named among the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018 list. In the category of Online & Nontraditional Schools, CTU was ranked among the top 20 institutions. CTU received similar rankings from Military Times in 2016, 2014 and 2013.
Read more about CTU’s commitment to the military here.
Michael Midura is the Director of Military Strategy & Relations and the Director of the CTU Patriot Scholarship Program at Colorado Technical University. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning from Westfield State College and a Master of Science in Management – Leadership Management from Strayer University. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and has served as the Vice President-Elect and Vice President of the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME).
