Navy veterans Ebony and Tyrus Johnson say they are blessed to attend Virginia Wesleyan at no cost to them through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
By Megan Z. Shearin | June 15, 2010
Navy veterans Ebony and Tyrus Johnson '13 say they still pinch themselves because they’re attending Virginia Wesleyan College at no cost to them through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
“I still can’t believe how good this program is,” Tyrus said of the Yellow Ribbon provision in the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It pairs school dollars and federal money to cover tuition and fees above what students would pay to go to college. Eligible veterans, like the Johnsons, also receive additional benefits including living allowances and a stipend for books and supplies.
Tyrus, a 29-year-old husband and father of a two-year-old son, completed his first semester of College and is now enrolled in a summer Spanish course. He served as an aviation and ordinance specialist in the Navy for nine years and is majoring in Criminal Justice, one of the variety of majors offered to Virginia Wesleyan students. He hopes to work as a crime scene investigator.
And he’s not alone in his new career quest. Ebony, his 27-year-old wife, is also back in school for the first time in 10 years, and she hopes to become an officer in the Navy after earning her college degree in Criminal Justice. At Virginia Wesleyan, this husband and wife duo is taking the same classes as they better themselves and their future. “I still can’t believe how good this program is. It pays for our living expenses, our college tuition and enables us to further our education at the same time. It’s outstanding and unbelievable.” – Tyrus Johnson
“We may be married, but we are our own individuals in the classroom,” said Ebony. “Plus, it helps that I don’t have to find a study buddy – I already have one.”
Tanya Williams, Senior Associate Director of Admissions and VA Certifying Official for Virginia Wesleyan, said that 28 students are currently attending Virginia Wesleyan through the Yellow Ribbon Program – and six other students who were already enrolled at the College started using their benefits once the program became active in August 2009. Williams is one of two certifying officials at the College who assists veterans with filling out the necessary paperwork.
“Coming to Virginia Wesleyan was a smooth process,” said Ebony. “Tanya helped us out a lot and I was on the phone with her at least two times a week. We couldn’t have done it without her.”
That close, personal attention is what attracted them to Virginia Wesleyan, the Johnsons said. They did their homework carefully and researched other higher education institutions such as Strayer University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State and Tidewater Community College before making their final decision.
“In the end it was the welcoming, friendly campus community and the overall atmosphere that attracted us,” said Tyrus. “The professors and students said hello to us during our tour – it was refreshing.”“I have been out of school for 10 years and the professors at Virginia Wesleyan have been great. Our math professor breaks down every step and she interacts with students on a one-on-one level.” – Ebony Johnson
Virginia Wesleyan’s convenient location was also another important consideration in their college choice, noted Ebony. “We were stationed here and had just purchased our first home in Virginia Beach. We didn’t want to move and having only a 10 minute commute to campus is great for us.”
Professor of Sociology Dr. Tom Lopez, who advises Ebony and Tyrus, said he serves as more of a “guide” for the couple.
“Advising Ebony and Tyrus Johnson is like watching a well-synchronized tag-team in action,” said Lopez. “They simply know what they want, and the focus and mutual support of this married couple inspires us all.”
To be eligible, a veteran must have served at least 36 months of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, or have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days. Eligible veterans may also transfer their benefits to a dependent.
For more information about Virginia Wesleyan’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, visit http://www.vwu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/veteran-support-services/yellow-ribbon-program.php.