MILITARY & VETERAN STUDENT SERVICES
Urshan University (UU) is happy to assist those who are present and past members of the United States military as well as the families of those who have served. UC accepts Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits.
Urshan University
1151 Century Tel Drive
Wentzville, MO 66385
Director: M. Jean Bland, Ed.D
Phone: 314-838-8858 Ext #2104
Email: jbland@urshan.edu
MILITARY AND VETERAN STUDENT SERVICES
ADMISSIONS
Urshan University
1151 Century Tel Drive
Wentzville, MO 66385
Director: Levi Powell
Phone: 314-838-8858
Email: lpowell@urshan.edu
Financial Aid Office
Full or part-time UU students who are active duty, reserve personnel, veterans, or, in some cases, the child or spouse of a veteran are eligible for Veteran Education Benefits. To determine eligibility, complete the online Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).
VETERAN'S BENEFITS
ADMISSIONS
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)– If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.
Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) – If you have served on active duty after 9/11/2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).
Post 9/11 GI Bill® – Transfer of Entitlement (Chapter 33) – If you are a dependent of a service member who served on active duty after 9/11/2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. To qualify for this entitlement, the Post 9/11 benefits must be transferred to the dependent prior to parent/spouse leaving active duty or selected reserve services.
Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30) – If you served at least 2 years on active duty prior to 9/11/2001, you may qualify for the MGIB-AD.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selective Reserve (Chapter 1606) – For eligibility, you must member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard.
Post-Vietnam Era Veteran’s Educational Assistance Program (VEAP, Chapter 32) – If you contributed to the VEAP program ($2 to $1 match) during your military career, you may be eligible for this program.
Survivor’s and Dependent’s Educational Assistance (DEA) program (Chapter 35) – If you are the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is MIA, or has disabilities, you may be able to receive help paying for your education through the DEA program.
Veteran’s Scholarship and Grant Resources – In addition to VA benefits, you may also be eligible for grants and scholarships from a variety of veteran’s organizations. These resources are also available to those who are dependents of a service member but were unable or ineligible to receive VA educational benefits. This link will take you to the U.S. Veterans Magazine website where you will find an inexhaustive list of scholarships and grants.
VA Benefits Include:
UC complies with the policies and procedures for the military Tuition Assistance program for eligible members of the U.S. Armed Services.
Each service has its own criteria for eligibility. Prior to enrollment, prospective students are directed to speak with their Education Services Officer (ESO) or military counselor to determine which VA or Military benefit(s) they qualify for. The following links connect prospective students to their particular service:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marines
- Navy
Register for classes only after approval from your ESO is obtained.
MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA)
ADMISSIONS
In compliance with the Department of Defense policy, Urshan University will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the term for which the funds were provided.
Please note: If you withdraw (officially or unofficially) from a course and did not complete at least 60% of the course, you may not be eligible for the total amount initially awarded through Tuition Assistance. In cases where some or all the Tuition Assistance must be returned to the military, you will be responsible for all balances on your student account.
Return of Military Tuition Assistance
ADMISSIONS
- Before or during weeks 1-2: 100% return
- During weeks 3-4: 75% return
- During weeks 5-8: 50% return
- During week 9: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
- During weeks 10-16: 0% return
Full Semester Courses
- Before or during week 1: 100% return
- During week 2: 75% return
- During weeks 3-4: 50% return
- During week 5: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
- During weeks 6-8: 0% return
Short Term Courses
Urshan University bans inducements to any individual or entity (other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws) for the purpose of securing enrollment of service members or obtaining access to tuition assistance funds as part of efforts to eliminate aggressive marketing aimed at service members.
UU does not participate in high-pressure recruitment tactics aimed at Service members. Service members will not receive three or more unsolicited contacts (by phone, email, or in-person), nor will they be engaged in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.
Additionally, UU will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollment of federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Recruitment of Military and Veterans Policy
ADMISSIONS
The Johnsons
Our Senior Pastor Matthew Johnson has been involved in ministry for more than 25 years. Prior to full time ministry the Johnsons both worked in the healthcare field. Pastor Johnson is an Ordained Minister of the UPCI, received his MBA summa cum laude from William Woods University, received his specialty MBA summa cum laude in healthcare administration, and is board bertified in ambulatory surgery management.
Pastor Johnson serves on the Board of Trustees for Compassion Services International (CSI) as well as the UPCI Stewardship Advisory Council.
The Johnsons formerly served the executive team for UPCI Youth Ministries and also served as members of the Missouri Youth Ministries leadership team.
They are the proud parents of Abriah & Jace who are the joy of their lives, along with their two Goldendoodles, Opie Taylor & Ginger Lou. The Johnsons enjoy family time together kayaking, exploring the great outdoors, and also searching for new coffee shops wherever they travel.
The Venturinis
Nathan and Larkin Venturini have been married and serving in ministry together since 2018. They are looking forward to welcoming their first child in August of 2023. Outside of his involvement with The Sanctuary, Nathan is an Operations Analyst for Toyota Material Handling, and Larkin is a Speech Language Pathologist for Bartholomew County Schools. Larkin is a member of The Sanctuary Kids Ministry Team, participates in The Sanctuary Choir, and is involved with Bible Quizzing. They are glad to have made Columbus their home, and are excited about what is happening in the community and church.
Vaneesa McCreary
Vaneesa McCreary and her husband, James McCreary, married in 1998. Together they have one son, Jameson. Throughout the years Vaneesa has helped in a Private Christian middle/ high school office doing anything from state reporting to substitute teaching in various classes, as needed. In 2021, Vaneesa relocated and started working part-time in The Sanctuary daycare. Later on she was asked to fulfill the role as the new daycare director. From June 2022 to December 2022, she worked in each classroom to better understand the schedule and responsibilities as well as completed director specific job training. In December 2022, she officially became The Sanctuary Church Daycare Director.
The Gordons
Matt and Tamera Gordon have been married and have served in music ministry since 1997; as well as teaching music for many years. They have one daughter, Ava. The Gordon's have been a part of The Sanctuary since 2015.
The Ortizs
Jorge and Amy Otiz serve as our Spanish church pastors. Prior to their pastorship, they along with their 3 children, have helped in several missions works in various countries around the world.
The Vailes
Jonathan and Tori got married in 2014, have one daughter named Nora, and one dog named Gus. The Vailes have served as Children's Pastors at The Sanctuary since 2015 while also serving in many administrative capacities and other ministries. Prior to his transition to a full-time ministry position, Jonathan was a music teacher within the BCSC school corporation. Now, with his Master's degree in Business Administration, Jonathan is the Finance Coordinator and Children's Pastor. Tori is a 3rd grade teacher in the BCSC school corporation and serves part-time at The Sanctuary to support administrative needs.
The Sizemores
The Sizemores have served in youth ministry for over ten years, the past seven being the youth pastor's here at The Sanctuary. They lead our thriving youth and young adults group and are passionately serving in many other areas of the church. Mikayla earned her Bachelor's in Education from Indiana University and has been a special education teacher for nearly a decade. Austin earned his Bachelor's in Economics from Marian University where he won two national championships as a football player. They have been married for 7 years and recently had their first daughter Jade in 2021.
The McLaurines
Gwendolyn McLaurine MS, LMHCA, NCC completed her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana and a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. She is the owner of Living Water Mental Health LLC where she provides office and teletherapy services and specializes in helping individuals overcome the effects of childhood trauma. She has ten-plus years of individual, family, and crisis counseling experience. Gwendolyn is eclectic in her approach to therapy and seeks to use the most effective and appropriate method to address her clients' needs.
Gwendolyn is a wife, mother of two, and lover of shopping malls. She and her husband Reggie attend The Sanctuary in Columbus, Indiana, serving on the leadership team as assistant pastors
The Mullins
Assistant Pastors at The Sanctuary; Rebekka and Matthew Mullins have been married, and served together in ministry since 2004 and have 4 beautiful children. Matthew is Vice President at a global fortune 500 company and a partner and CEO of Equipping Leaders. With 20 years of pastoral experience, he also teaches global audiences, and offers coaching in strategy, human resources management, and leader development.
