Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is proud to launch its Veterans Center of Excellence, a transformative initiative made possible by a $748,311 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As one of only 13 institutions nationwide selected for this competitive award, MCNY is leading the way in supporting veterans as they transition to academic and professional success.

Located at our Manhattan Campus in Rooms 607–608, and soon to expand to the Bronx Campus, the Veterans Center of Excellence provides holistic, wrap-around services tailored to the unique needs of veteran students.

At MCNY, this effort is deeply aligned with our founding mission: to deliver a values-based, applied education that promotes social justice, equity, and positive community change.

MCNY’s Veterans Center of Excellence is part of a larger nationwide initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Education to establish Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS). These centers are designed to address the specific academic, financial, and personal challenges veterans may face in higher education.

What do Veterans and Those Who Have Served say about Metropolitan College of New York?

Daniella Melissa Miller, MPA’15, Emergency and Disaster Management – MCNY Alumna, tells her story.

Learn more about career transition.

Charles Raymond Aaron, BA’18, Emergency Management Business Continuity, is a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Marines, Retired Wounded Warrior.

The Veterans Center of Excellence is designed to create a dedicated, supportive environment that fosters academic achievement, personal well-being, and career readiness. True to MCNY’s model of Purpose-Centered Education, the Center aims to uplift those who have served with distinction and are now pursuing their next mission: a college degree.

We are committed to:

• Easing the transition from military to academic life
• Supporting veteran students with comprehensive services
• Promoting mental wellness, financial literacy, and peer connection
• Celebrating veterans’ contributions every day—not just on Veterans Day

Through this new initiative, veteran students at MCNY can expect a robust network of resources and support, including:

• Dedicated Veteran Support Staff
  Trained professionals focused on guiding you through admissions, enrollment, academic success, and life after graduation.

• Mental Health and Wellness Resources
  Access to mental health professionals and wellness programming to help navigate stress, trauma, and life transitions.

• Financial Aid and VA Benefits Counseling
  One-on-one support in navigating FAFSA, scholarships, and your military benefits, ensuring you get the funding you’ve earned.

• Career Development and Professional Mentoring
  Career workshops, internship opportunities, and alumni mentorship to help you lead in the workforce.

• Veteran-Only Lounge and Peer Space
  A welcoming environment to relax, study, and connect with other veteran students (coming soon).

Location & Contact

Veterans Center of Excellence
Bronx Campus
463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455
Room 203

Contact: Emily Kiy
Email: ekiy@mcny.edu

Veterans Benefits Contact: Lorna Alexander, Assistant Registrar/SCO – Veterans School Certifying Official
Email: lalexander@mcny.edu

Resources

Coming soon: Downloadable materials and resource links tailored for veteran students.

This section will feature:

• Checklists for new veteran students
• VA benefit guides
• Wellness tools and emergency contacts
• Job boards and resume tips
• Community resources for veteran families

You served our country. Now let us serve you.

Whether you are a returning student, a transitioning service member, or a veteran seeking a new purpose, we are here for you.
Your next mission begins at MCNY.

Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is proud to launch its Veterans Center of Excellence, a transformative initiative made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As one of only 13 institutions nationwide selected for this award, MCNY is leading the way in supporting veterans as they transition to academic and professional success.

Today’s ribbon cutting was an honor, featuring remarks from Dr. Lessie Branch, Special Assistant for Community Engagement, NYS Dept. of Veterans’ Services, and Nicole Orlando, Director of Veteran Transition, NYC Dept. of Veterans’ Services. Dr. Hamilton Raymond, Vice President of MCNY, opened the program, and President Dr. Charles J. Gibbs delivered a moving dedication.

This Center is more than a resource; it is a safe haven and a home at MCNY for those who have served.