The University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus serves 652 military-connected individuals. These include active-duty service members, veterans, reservists and dependents.
According to Todd Post, USFSP Office of Veteran Success assistant director, the institution is building a new $7.5 million veterans center on the property.
“Florida is a very veteran friendly state,” he explained. “We have a rapidly growing number of veterans and their family members that are going to school.”
Initial conversations about the new center began in 2022. USF leaders hope to begin construction on the project in late summer or early fall. The facility is estimated to be completed by September 2027.
It will be built on the site of the former Special Services Building, which was damaged during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
“These military-connected students have very unique life experiences and challenges,” Post said. “So, we want to be able to provide wraparound services in one spot.”
They will be able to utilize the center from admission to graduation. Services will include overall wellness support, academic advising, career readiness and student engagement programs.
“One of the main things we are trying to get at is community building,” he explained. “A lot of veterans lose that sense of camaraderie when they leave the military.”
The facility will have a full-service veteran lounge with a cafe, computer lab and group and private study areas. Post added that there will be a training room, where orientation sessions and VIP programs will be facilitated. Additionally, the center will have office space and conference rooms.
He said that veterans experience three key barriers once they leave the military. They can struggle with “sense of identity,” “sense of belonging,” and a “sense of community.” The investment, Post explained, will address these challenges.
Funding for the project will come from the State of Florida.
Thomas Wells is currently studying personal financial planning at USFSP. Previously, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
During Wells’ time in the armed forces, he was on active duty for four years as an infantryman. Additionally, he was stationed in Washington D.C. and was part of a unit that performed funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
Pursuing a higher education degree was a pivot for Wells. Before studying at USFSP, he managed chairs, umbrellas and paddleboards at Archibald Memorial Beach Park on Madeira Beach.
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) impacted the business, Wells decided to utilize his GI Bill benefits. Introduced in 1944 during World War II, the law helps qualifying veterans and their family members cover “all or some of the costs for school or training,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ website.
“The student veteran population is a niche and highly diverse group on campus,” Wells said. “We have a unique set of challenges.”
“A lot of us have to work full time,” he continued. “A lot of us are supporting families and have kids. A lot of us don’t really feel that the college experience is meant for us. We’re like the old people on campus.”
USF’s Office of Veterans Success has helped prepare Wells for career readiness.
“We want to be positive force multipliers for our local communities,” he said. “We still want to serve and help other people.”
Wells explained that the new center will provide a “central hub” for veteran students. It will help military-connected individuals determine what direction they need to be focused on. He added that many of the veterans attending USFSP have the “motivation and drive,” but just need guidance on how to navigate higher education.
The facility will be invaluable to future students, Wells believes. It will help them get “connected” and “let them know that there’s a community here.”
Ryan Spyker served in the U.S Marine Corps for 21 years. He joined after he graduated from high school in 2003.
Spyker held various positions throughout his military career. He was employed as an amphibious assault vehicle mechanic and ground ordnance maintenance officer, responsible for tanks, light armored vehicles and amphibious assault vehicles.
Attending USF has been a dream for the St. Petersburg native.
Currently, Spyker is pursuing a Bachelor of General Studies. According to USF’s website, the degree is customizable and allows students to choose an academic program that aligns with their professional goals.
Spyker owns a solar services business. He is taking classes to help “facilitate the leadership and management” of his company.
The Office for Veterans Success has been “relocated a couple times,” Spyker explained. This has made it difficult for students to know what facility to go to or what number to call.
“What this building does for us is give us a permanent home,” he said. “Now we can better facilitate and guide other veterans who are going through this journey and experience with a foundation that’s solidified.”
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