UIS to Offer Classes for Military Veterans, Active Personnel

News classes offered at the University of Illinois at Springfield will allow past and present members of the armed forces to examine their military careers in an academic setting.

Kevin Beeson never served in the military, but he said over the years he has developed a great respect for those who have served.

Beeson said he has wanted to give something back to them, and found a way as a visiting instructor at UIS.

“I just felt like there needed to be something that they could identify with," Beeson said. "A class that said, ‘Hey, this class is just for you.’”

Beeson created two classes – one for combat veterans, and another for retired and active service members.

Students will talk about their military experiences, and also do an in-depth project about an important event in their lives.

Even though that event doesn’t have to be military-related, Ryan Yantis said that doesn’t matter as long as it helped the student become a better person.

Yantis is with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He says the program could serve as a model for other universities.

“As long as it helps our veterans achieve their educational goals,” Yantis said.

The classes are scheduled to start at UIS this summer.