Dr. John Schupp founded the SERV Program, a two-semester program at Cleveland State University designed just for veterans in order to increase the freshmen retention graduation rates. Under his direction, the program helps veterans apply for GI Bill benefits and offers veterans-only classes that help ease the transition back into the classroom for many veterans that have been absent from the academic setting for years. He works with veterans to navigate VA issues and offers a veteran-to-veteran mentoring program.
The Sunday New York Times, National Public Radio, all the Armed Forces media, and The Chronicle of Higher Education have taken an interest in SERV. Dr. Schupp loses no chance to spread the word at conferences and conventions around the country, as he continues to remind us of our responsibility to those that have served. In honor of his exemplary work with veterans, Dr. Schupp’s name was placed on a plaque in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Other accomplishments include:
- Creator and National Director of NGG (Next Great Generation)
- $100,000 Wal-Mart award recipient
- FIPSE grant creator “Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success”
- Author of the comprehensive 2010 report “Ohio Student Veteran Enrollment” for the Ohio Board of Regents
- Ohio Veteran Advocate of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America
- Recipient of the 2011 Department of Defense Zachary Fisher “Humanitarian of the Year” Award
- Huffington Post Contributor
- Creator of “Stars Behind the Stripes” weekly newspaper column
- 20 years as a chemistry professor
- Spoken to more than 200 campuses nationwide in person
- Reached more than 300 campuses via webinars
- Provided Veteran Resource Centers business plans to more than 100 campuses nationwide
