NDSU’s Veteran Alliance Organization, known as VALOR, has presented its 2021 Ally of the Year Award to Jerry South, assistant director of career coaching in the NDSU’s Career and Advising Center. South was recognized on Dec. 14.

South is both a VALOR ally and board member. He served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2012. He has many years of experience working with military students and veterans to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

“Throughout my life I have felt called to primarily one thing – to help others succeed, to help people reach their potential,” South said. “I believe that is why I aligned with the Air Force so well, as one of their core values is ‘Service Before Self.’ Therefore, I have worked to align myself with opportunities where I thought I could best serve others. This award validates that what I am doing is worthwhile, valued, and seen as impactful to others. So, it is an honor, and I am very grateful to be chosen as the VALOR Ally of the Year.”

VALOR faculty liaison Carol Cwiak, associate professor of emergency management, said, “Jerry has established himself in the NDSU student veteran community as a touchpoint for knowledge, assistance and guidance. His ready smile and can-do attitude put people at ease and also is an example of the power of applied positivity in one’s life. Jerry is not afraid to share examples of his own life and career challenges and the lessons he learned from them. In such exchanges he illustrates the power of conviction and commitment to both success and resilience.”

VALOR’s mission is to improve the campus climate for student veterans and enhance their success. Student veterans include veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and members of the National Guard.

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.