UWF to expand Military and Veterans Resource Center to Fort Walton Beach location

With UWF Emerald Coast situated almost directly between Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, the University plans to expand the services of its Pensacola-based Military and Veterans Resource Center to surrounding communities. The MVRC is committed to serving the educational and training needs of prospective and currently enrolled service members, veterans, their dependents, their survivors and others eligible to receive educational benefits under the various Department of Veteran Affairs programs.

On Sept. 15, 2015, UWF signed a memorandum to vacate its Eglin AFB space within 180 days. The move is pursuant to changes on the base and follows a similar transition by Troy University and Northwest Florida State College.

Although UWF officially has been allotted 180 days to move, Emerald Coast Director Dr. Melinda Bowers has indicated classes previously held at Eglin will begin on the Fort Walton Beach campus as early as Spring 2016. Additional space will bring opportunities to create more courses, and instructors will enjoy ease of access to the campus.

“This is a great opportunity to strengthen our military and veteran relations here in the community,” Bowers explained. “We’ll have more opportunities in the future because we’ll have more space.”

Moving back to Fort Walton Beach also will facilitate the expansion of the MVRC to offer services to Hurlburt and Eglin-based students and families. The small-scale MVRC will aid military students in the transition back to school – with dedicated coaches, a computer center, tutoring, academic advising and referral to state and federal resources.

“We’re looking forward to providing additional assistance to our military and veteran students right here in Fort Walton Beach, rather than them driving to Pensacola.”