Courtesy / Husson University
Jason Smith, a sergeant in the Maine National Guard, looks forward to taking advantage of a new tuition benefit this fall. He will study criminal justice and criminal justice administration at Husson.
Updated: June 28, 2019
Husson offers tuition break to National Guard
Courtesy / Husson University
Husson University will be the first private college to participate in a new tuition assistance program for members of the National Guard. The school has its main campus in Bangor, viewed here from above.
By Staff
Husson University said this week it will be Maine's first private educational institution to offer a tuition break to individuals serving in the National Guard under newly amended legislation.
The legislation (LD 1736), “An Act to Broaden Educational Opportunities to Members of the Maine National Guard and Provide Financial Assistance to Veterans,” lets Maine National Guard members apply their tuition benefits to private universities that meet certain requirements. Husson, which has its main campus in Bangor, said it's the first private university in the state to do so.
"The men and women of the Maine National Guard take time away from their families and their lives to serve our state in times of need," said Danielle Leighton, the school's assistant student accounts manager and Veterans' Administration accounts manager, in Wednesday's announcement.
"Providing them with education opportunities is a way of saying 'thank you' to all of the brave soldiers in the Guard who do so much for all of us."
Jason Smith, a sergeant in the Maine National Guard, plans to take advantage of the new tuition benefit this fall when he starts Husson's 4 + 1 program to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in criminal justice administration, in five years.
“My goals are to get a commission in the National Guard as an officer and then go on to be a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” he said.
“I’m someone who wants to make a difference by helping to protect others and giving back to the community. That’s why I joined the Maine National Guard. My education will allow me advance my career and someday serve at the national level.”
Speaking on behalf of the Maine National Guard, state public affairs officer Capt. Carl J. Lamb said the National Guard is grateful for the educational benefits available to soldiers under the tweaked state law.
"We strive to foster a culture of lifelong learning, and Guard members are always encouraged to pursue civilian degrees and certificates in addition to their professional military education," he said.
John Champoli, Husson's vice president for enrollment management, encouraged "anyone who is interested in leveraging the power of education to begin the next chapter of their lives" to get in touch with the school.
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