For military veterans and their families navigating the transition to civilian life, finding a university that truly understands their journey can make all the difference. At the University of South Alabama (South), that understanding is embedded in every layer of its culture. As a designated Top Yellow Ribbon School and Military Friendly Gold institution, South is earning national recognition for doing exactly what President Jo Bonner says the school is most proud of: serving those who have served.
“It’s a major point of pride,” Bonner said. “The University of South Alabama is grateful for the sacrifices made by our military-affiliated students, and we are committed to making the path on their academic journey as smooth as possible.”
Bonner’s commitment is both personal and professional. Before becoming university president, he represented Alabama’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure, he visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Witnessing their bravery and selflessness firsthand was incredibly inspiring,” he recalled. “Providing educational opportunities for them and their families is truly an honor.”
The university’s transformation to better serve military students is more than symbolic. Renaming the Veterans Affairs office to the Office of Military Services sent a clear message: all military-connected individuals—veterans, service members, spouses and dependents—have a dedicated space and support network. “This ‘One-Stop-Shop’ model ensures that we’re meeting the needs of all those with a military affiliation across our campus,” Bonner said.
Recognizing that each military experience is unique, the university has expanded its support team to provide tailored assistance. From applying for education benefits to navigating complex VA programs, South’s staff is trained to guide each student with precision. “We often find that our students do not fully understand their benefits,” Bonner explained. “Our team members pride themselves in determining which ones best apply to the individual student and his or her situation.”
That personal attention is especially vital for military spouses and dependents—often overlooked in the support ecosystem. South ensures they’re not just seen, but celebrated. Many use the transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can be complicated. “That’s a big reason our Military Services team consists of veterans, spouses and dependents,” Bonner said. “They’ve lived the military life.”
In April the university was designated a Purple Heart University and added to the National Purple Heart Trail. It’s a recognition Bonner calls “deeply meaningful.” Signage and designated parking on campus now honor those wounded in combat. “They’ve defended our nation in conflicts around the globe sacrificing their most precious asset—their bodies,” he said.
The university is also looking ahead. A new 250,000-square-foot College of Medicine opens in 2027, with expanded capacity aimed at addressing physician shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. “We consistently rank highly among the nation’s medical schools for producing doctors that practice in these communities,” Bonner said, highlighting opportunities for veterans pursuing careers in health care.
The state of Alabama complements South’s efforts with the Military Dependent Scholarship Program—one of the nation’s strongest. Bonner says the university understands how to maximize the benefit in combination with other programs like Chapter 35 education assistance.
Testimonials speak volumes. Austin Gatewood, a disabled Army veteran, credits the Office of Military Services with helping him thrive both academically and socially. “Their support empowered me to restart the Student Veterans of America chapter,” Gatewood said. Another student, Luis Morales, described the office as the first place that made him feel he truly belonged. “That opportunity made a huge difference for me.”
Bonner encourages any veteran or military family considering higher education to visit South. “You’ll find a home here,” he promised.
At the University of South Alabama, honoring military service goes far beyond ceremony—it’s a commitment to action, advocacy and excellence.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
