Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Presents Patriot Award to Hodges'

NAPLES, Fla. - Dec. 2, 2015 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented Erica Tillery, executive vice president of operations at Hodges University, with the Patriot Award. Presented to a supervisor or boss, the Patriot Award recognizes individuals who support an employee’s active role in the National Guard or Reserve through flexible scheduling, time off surrounding deployment, care for family and leaves of absence.

Christine Manson, director of the Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center, nominated Tillery for the award, saying, “I have been a Citizen Airman for 13 years, and this is the first time I nominated a supervisor for the award.” Manson adds, “Erica Tillery is extremely supportive of my Air Force responsibilities. I’ve only worked here since August, but she has proven herself to be a true military supporter.”

Presenting Tillery with the award was Manson and ESGR Area Chair Mary Perry. Tillery expressed her gratitude by saying, “I grew up in a military family, so it is very important to me. One year ago, when the Veteran Services Center was transferred to me to oversee, I was very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the program. It is a true honor to receive this award because it allows me to show my support for what Christine does as well as our other veteran students. Ultimately, I want them to know how important they are to me and that I truly respect what they do for our country.”

With locations at both the Naples and Fort Myers campuses, the Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center is dedicated to supporting all military veterans, service members and their families in reaching their academic and career goals. The university is a member of the Yellow Ribbon program, which provides tuition and fee assistance to eligible veterans, as well as the Got Your 6 initiative, which bridges the divide between civilian and military, so veterans may be rightfully viewed as leaders and civic assets.

In November 2015, Hodges University was listed as one of the top schools on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2016. Additionally, the university has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media.

About Hodges University:
Founded in 1990, Hodges University is a private, nonprofit and one of Florida’s leading institutions of higher learning. With campuses located in Naples and Fort Myers, the university uses its local roots and global reach to provide transformational, learner-driven educational opportunities for its students. In addition to offering associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines and delivery options, Hodges University enhances the ability of students to achieve personal and professional objectives through diverse educational experiences and programs including English as a Second Language and the Center for Lifelong Learning. For more information, call (239) 513-1122 or visit Hodges.edu.