Western Illinois University alumnus and Interim Vice President for Student Success John Smith has been named one of 15 recipients of the 2022 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award (ESFA).
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the federal government to employers for their support of National Guard and Reserve employees under the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
The ESGR recognizes National Guard and Reserve Component employees who, on the behalf of employees or family members, nominate them in the organization each year.
Mr. Smith received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in gerontology from WIU. He served as the compliance specialist in WIU’s Office of Sponsored Projects and has been an instructor for WIU’s Psychology Department since 2005. He currently serves as the university’s interim vice president for Student Success.
In addition, WIU was awarded the ESGR “Patriotic Employer Award” for going above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty with their employees. According to the EGSR, the Above and Beyond Award is only given in limited numbers by state and territory ESGR committees. It is Illinois’ second highest level award, with approximately only 15-20 employers in the state receiving it each year.
WIU has served and remained dedicated to veterans since the 1900s and has been recognized as a “Military Friendly” school by GI Jobs magazine for 14 years and as a “Best for Vets College” by Military Times EDGE magazine for 12 years.
The WIU Veterans Resource Center is committed to assisting students who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military and their families. The center provides coordinated services and resources in one location to ensure that all veterans and service members have opportunities for success in their academic careers and beyond.
“Western Illinois University truly does go above and beyond to ensure its veterans and active duty personnel receive the resources and support they need. This is not a rare occurrence at WIU,” Veterans Resource Center Director Ronald Pettigrew said in a WIU news release.
Troy Stinson, assistant professor of law enforcement and justice administration as well as an ESGR volunteer, presented the two awards in early April at the Leveraging Military Service into Academia and Civilian Job Market Success event.
