THOMASVILLE — When Lester Hayes first stepped foot onto the Thomas University campus in 2007, he instantly knew it was right.

 A retired sergeant major with three decades of service in the Army, Hayes was looking for a new career direction. At TU, he found that direction. Now Hayes is working to make sure other veterans feel just as welcome as Thomas University’s Military Liaison. In this role, Hayes assists veterans with issues specific to them and also recruits veterans to enroll in TU’s academic programs.

“I am the veteran’s voice on campus,” Hayes said. “The process can be very challenging, especially if you’re not physically on campus. My goal is to keep the process flowing from application through registration by eliminating as many stressors as possible.”

For veterans those stressors could come in the form of navigating military benefits or dealing with financial aid paperwork.

“We want our vets to feel like they’re getting top quality service,” Hayes said. “We want veterans to know who to go to when they run into a challenge or have questions.”

For its efforts to accommodate veterans, Thomas University has been named to the G.I. Jobs website’s List of Military Friendly Schools for the past four years. The annual list honors the top 15 percent of colleges and universities who “embrace America’s military students and ensure their success on campus.”

“Institutions across the country are increasingly recognizing the need to create services to better accommodate and support veterans on campus,” said Dr. Vivian Gallman-DeRienzo, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. “As a military-friendly institution, Thomas University has demonstrated a commitment to providing a supportive environment for military veterans. Our goal is to offer seamless services beginning with admissions and continuing through the completion of their chosen degree program. The Military Liaison ensures that each veteran receives individualized attention and timely follow-up.”

TU Director of Financial Aid Michael Rayburn added that in addition to the services of the Military Liaison and scholarships for veterans, Thomas University offers those who are on active duty a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.

Hayes’ primary duties include contacting and meeting potential students, education services officers and staff commanders.

“Lester was the right choice for the Military Liaison position at Thomas University for two primary reasons,” Gallman-DeRienzo said. “First, as a retired sergeant major, he is fully aware of soldier development and training needs and veteran quality of life issues. Second, as a Thomas University alumnus, he is keenly aware of the programs and services available to students and has developed a strong relationship with the university’s faculty and staff. For these reasons, Lester is well qualified to advise prospective veteran students on how to achieve their educational goals.”

With the implementation of the new part-time position, TU also began a new tradition of hosting a reception for all students who are veterans at the beginning of each academic year as a way of welcoming them to the university.

Hayes is also busy visiting military installations in Georgia and Florida in an effort to get the word out about Thomas University’s programs. The most popular programs at TU for veterans are criminal justice, social work and rehabilitation counseling. Hayes also expects an increase in veterans choosing education majors with a new vet-to-teach recruiting effort.

Hayes completed a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 2011 and is now pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. During his time as an undergraduate, he served as president of O.W.L. (Older Wiser Learners) and as senior class president. The class project for 2011 was the establishment of the Veterans Honor Park on the Thomas University campus, where inscribed bricks and a garden serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of local veterans.