President Carter meets with ROTC and veterans service team on tour of Converse Hall

After 38 years of wearing a uniform in the service of his country, Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., president of The Ohio State University, still has a close connection to the military community. Carter got a closer look at how Ohio State supports student veterans and other military students with a tour of Converse Hall last week.

Carter and Ohio State First Lady Lynda Carter toured the campus home of the university’s tri-service ROTC programs. They interacted with students and faculty, the university’s Military and Veterans Services staff, and community partners who provide support services.

“We are fortunate to have the Carters visit Converse Hall and meet our students and members of our team. They are intimately aware of the demands and unique needs of the military-connected community on campus and are committed advocates for Buckeyes who are called to serve,” said Kevin Cullen, assistant vice provost and director for Military and Veterans Services.

Ohio State is home to an extended military-connected community. More than 2,301 current veterans, dependents, and active duty, National Guard, and reserve members attend the university as undergraduate, graduate and professional students. This includes over 400 tri-service Air Force, Army and Naval ROTC program participants. Additionally, Ohio State employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff veterans.

The Carters met and discussed some of the challenges and opportunities for military-connected students. The university provides programs that support veterans and their dependents to receive the educational benefits they have earned through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Ohio State’s Military and Veterans Services also coordinates the ROTC programs and policies with university offices and supports the military instruction needed to meet the requirements for commissioned officers. The team also helps coordinate or connect students to housing, mental and physical health care and academic advising. 

One part of the tour included a look at the future of Converse Hall itself. The building is undergoing a $1.9 million renovation of bathrooms and showers to better accommodate the ROTC department. The university’s long-term master planning vision eventually includes a replacement for the 83-year-old building.