Lorri Chin-Shue could be voted "most popular" on the campus of Gwinnett Technical College. As the college's first veterans affairs advisor, Chin-Shue's office is rarely empty and the phone rings constantly. And she's only been officially "opened for business" for a few weeks.
In May, Gwinnett Tech became the first technical college in the state to launch a formalized outreach program for veterans. The Office of Veterans Affairs, which Chin-Shue leads, is designed to assist U.S. military veterans, guardsmen, reservists, spouses and dependents with claiming GI Bill education benefits, applying for college and financial aid, choosing a degree program, and securing a subsequent career.
As the traffic flow in and out of her office would indicate, there's a great need for veterans services — particularly at two-year college campuses. Most of Georgia's four-year colleges and universities do have veterans services programs, but the offering at Gwinnett Tech is unique for a technical college and in much demand. Last year, 200,000 veterans pursued a two-year degree using educational benefits, a number the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expects to increase 20 to 25 percent over the next couple of years.
At Gwinnett Tech, there's about 130 students enrolled with veterans benefits and that number is expected to grow at rapid pace. One reason is the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the new GI Bill. The bill takes affect this August and provides a wider range of benefits than the existing Montgomery GI Bill. Not only are the benefits greater for those who've served since September 11, 2001, but those who qualify, including members of the National Guard and reserves, will have a window of 15 years from the date of discharge to use their benefits.
Gwinnett Tech's Office of Veterans Affairs is made possible through the sponsorship and support of the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, whose generosity helps fund the program and established the D. Scott Hudgens, Jr. Veterans Scholarship Fund.
The late D. Scott Hudgens, Jr., a leading Gwinnett businessman and commercial real estate developer, was himself a World War II veteran. Veterans issues and needs were always a priority for Hudgens, and his family continues to focus on veterans affairs through the good works of the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation.
"The Hudgens family is enabling Gwinnett Tech to provide greatly needed services and scholarship funds for our deserving veterans and their families. We're so pleased they've entrusted Gwinnett Tech to deliver this service and to help continue their legacy of support for veterans," explains Sharon Bartels, Gwinnett Tech president. "The program will benefit both our students and the community for years to come."
The veterans who turn to Chin-Shue and Gwinnett Tech for help in accessing their educational benefits and navigating a college career will find a passionate and experienced advocate. Chin-Shue is the daughter of a military veteran and the proud wife of an Air Force 1st Lieutenant with more than 20 years of service. As a college student at the University of Dayton, she gained first-hand experience in the often complex world of GI benefits.
"I am very honored to have been chosen to establish and lead our Veterans Affairs team," says Chin-Shue. "This will be a wonderful resource for veterans, reservists and their families who are ready to start their college education and need support in maximizing the benefits they've earned through their service."
Chin-Shue has been with Gwinnett Tech for eight years in several student services and counseling roles, and is a recent recipient of the Governor's Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service.
She'll not only help students apply for and receive their GI Bill education benefits, but will also assist them with their Gwinnett Tech application and registration and connect them to academic and career counseling resources at the college. GTC offers a range of programs to help students determine which program best suits their skills and personality.
Nationally, some of the most popular fields of study for veterans include health sciences and healthcare, IT, public safety, business management, criminal justice and early education — all programs that GTC offers.
For more information on the Office of Veterans Affairs, the Hudgens Veterans Scholarship Fund, and additional educational resources for veterans, call 678-226-6343 or visit www.GwinnettTech.edu/veterans.
Gwinnett Technical College At a Glance
- More than 45 degree, diploma or certificate options you can finish in two years or less.
- Largest college in the Technical College System of Georgia.
- Enrollment: 7,700
- Night, weekend and online classes.
- Graduate job placement rate: 99 percent
Program Options:
- Arts and Sciences
- Automotive
- Business and Finance
- Computer Sciences
- Construction
- Cosmetology
- Culinary & Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Sciences
- Horticulture
- Machine Tool & Welding
- Public Safety and Service
- Veterinary Technology
- Visual Arts, Fashion & Design
Financial Aid:
- Hope Scholarship and Hope Grant
- Federal grants and loans
- Gwinnett Tech Foundation Scholarships
- Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- In addition to credit programs, GTC offers a host of continuing education classes and a comprehensive adult education division.
- Campus tours available: Call 678-226-6616 or visit the campus Recruitment Center in Building 100.
- Apply online at www.GwinnettTech.edu/apply.
