ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mississippi Valley State University President Dr. Jerryl Briggs was recognized Monday as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Briggs received the distinction as part of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
He was formally presented with a certificate, lapel pin and Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve by Veteran Service Officer Larry Harris.
"I am very appreciative for receiving this award,” said Briggs. “As a former reservist, spending six years in the US Marine Corps Reserves, I truly understand the importance of supporting our troops efforts."
According to Harris, Briggs was nominated for the award for his support and recognition of MVSU staff, faculty and students who serve in all branches of the military through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
The award is presented to one individual quarterly, Harris said.
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,750 volunteers in 54 committees located across the United States.
To learn more about ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil.