Renovated MVS Space Builds Connections, Community for Military-Affiliated Students

Each school year at NC State, the Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services (MVS) center serves well over 2,000 veterans and military dependents who are part of the Wolfpack community. 

Over the past year, those patrons have had a chance to enjoy a new and improved space for studying, socializing, or just unwinding and relaxing on the first floor of Witherspoon Student Center. 

Completed last November, renovations to the space opened up 220 square feet of additional space for students, bringing the total space up to about 600 square feet. 

“It’s definitely a lot less crowded in terms of furniture and stuff like that,” said Nicholas Simpkins, a third-year student studying psychology who spent seven years in the United States Army. “There’s a lot more space. The setup with the couch, the TV, the bar style table, it brings an inviting atmosphere for people, whether they want to study or just come hang out, talk and eat some snacks.” 

The newly renovated space includes a large television and sectional with several comfortable chairs and a refrigerator and microwave for student use. 

“Snacks and socializing,” said Sheena  Gerrans, a second-year student studying Horticulture and a former active duty member of the United States Navy, when asked about her favorite part of the new space. “There’s vending machines everywhere, but going by the military lounge there, there’s a friendly face to say hello to if you’re getting a snack, or a coffee if you’re getting a pick me up.” 

I think it’s definitely making people feel more comfortable coming in.

The space also includes free printing for military-connected students, computer workstations to provide a quiet, private workspace, a communal four-seat table, and collaborative spaces with large whiteboards similar to the workrooms in NC State’s libraries.

“I think it’s definitely making people feel more comfortable coming in,” said Keyshawn  Henry, a fourth-year student studying computer science and a military dependent. “Before, we definitely provided a lot of help and a lot of service to a lot of students, especially given the size of the military community at NC State, but the actual office itself was pretty small, especially the available space, considering how much of it was offices at the time. The actual area where students could be was pretty minimal. So now it’s fostering a better environment, and before, it was focused on getting individual work done.” 

Gerrans also said that one of her favorite parts of spending time in the new MVS space is meeting fellow veterans who are closer to her own age than traditional college students and speaking with them about their backgrounds and experiences. 

“It’s awesome talking to like-minded individuals and relaxing,” Simpkins said. “Most, if not all veterans are commuter students, so when they’re coming on campus, they’d like to stay on campus for a while rather than dip in and out, so it just allows them to have a space to relax, take that time to study away from home where they can actually lock-in.” 

For more information about MVS and how to get involved in the programs and services provided, visit veterans.ncsu.edu.